Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes: a substrate that includes an opening and a display area that surrounds the opening; a plurality of grooves formed in the substrate between the opening and the display area; a display element layer on the substrate and that includes a plurality of display elements in the display area; a thin-film encapsulation layer disposed on the display element layer, the thin-film encapsulation layer including a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer which are sequentially stacked; a planarization layer disposed over the plurality of grooves and that includes an organic insulating material, wherein the planarization layer is disposed over the second inorganic encapsulation layer, and the organic encapsulation layer is disposed below the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/458,319, filed on Jul. 1, 2019 in the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from, and thebenefit of, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0102722, filed on Aug.30, 2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2018-0112383 filed on Sep. 19, 2018 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the contents of all of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

One or more embodiments are directed to a display device that includesgrooves.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Recently, the purposes of display devices have diversified. In addition,as display devices have become thinner and more lightweight, their rangeof use has gradually been extended.

As an area occupied by a display area of a display device increases,functions are being added that can be combined or associated with thedisplay device. As a way of adding various functions while increasingthe display area, an opening is provided in the display area of adisplay device.

SUMMARY

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: asubstrate that includes an opening and a display area that surrounds theopening; a plurality of grooves formed on the substrate between theopening and the display area; a display element layer on the substrateand that includes plurality of display elements in the display area; athin-film encapsulation layer disposed on the display element layer, thethin-film encapsulation layer including a first inorganic encapsulationlayer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganicencapsulation layer which are sequentially stacked; a planarizationlayer disposed over the plurality of grooves and that includes anorganic insulating material, wherein the planarization layer is disposedover the second inorganic encapsulation layer, and the organicencapsulation layer is disposed below the second inorganic encapsulationlayer.

The display element layer may include at least one organic materiallayer, and the at least one organic material layer may be disconnectedby the groove.

The at least one organic material layer may include at least one of ahole transport layer, a hole injection layer, an electron injectionlayer, or an electron transport layer.

The display element layer may include pixel electrodes that respectivelycorrespond to the plurality of display elements, emission layersdisposed on the pixel electrodes, and an opposite electrode that coversthe display area, the opposite electrode being disconnected by thegroove.

The substrate may include a base layer and an inorganic insulatinglayer, the base layer may include a polymer resin, and each of theplurality of grooves may include: a hole formed in the inorganicinsulating layer; and a hole and a recess each formed in the base layer.

The display device may further include: a first barrier layer disposedunder the planarization layer; and a second barrier layer disposed onthe planarization layer.

The planarization layer may be disposed between the opening and thedisplay area, and the first barrier layer and the second barrier layermay make contact with each other around a first edge of theplanarization layer, the first edge of the planarization layer beingadjacent to the display area.

The first barrier layer may be in direct contact with the secondinorganic encapsulation layer.

The first edge of the planarization layer may be located on the samevertical line as an edge of the substrate, wherein the first edge of theplanarization layer faces the opening, and the edge of the substratebounds the opening.

The display device may further include: an input sensing layer thatincludes a conductive layer and insulating layers respectively disposedon and under the conductive layer, wherein the first barrier layer andthe second barrier layer may be respectively integrally formed with oneof the insulating layers of the input sensing layer.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: asubstrate that includes an opening and a display area adjacent to theopening, the substrate including a plurality of grooves formed betweenthe opening and the display area; a display element layer disposed onthe substrate and that includes a plurality of display elements in thedisplay area, the display element layer including at least one organicmaterial layer, wherein the at least one organic material layer isdisconnected by the plurality of grooves; a thin-film encapsulationlayer disposed on the display element layer, the thin-film encapsulationlayer including at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and anorganic encapsulation layer; and a planarization layer that includes anorganic insulating material, wherein the planarization layer is disposedbetween the opening and the display area.

The substrate may include: a first base layer that includes a polymerresin; a first inorganic insulating layer disposed on the first baselayer; a second base layer disposed on the first inorganic insulatinglayer and that includes a polymer resin; and a second inorganicinsulating layer disposed on the second base layer, wherein each of theplurality of grooves may include a first hole formed in the secondinorganic insulating layer and a second hole or a recess each formed inthe second base layer.

A lateral surface of the second inorganic insulating layer may include atip that protrudes further toward a center of the groove than a lateralsurface of the second base layer, wherein the lateral surface of thesecond inorganic insulating layer bounds the first hole, and the lateralsurface of the second base layer bounds the second hole or the recess.

At least one inorganic encapsulation layer may include a first inorganicencapsulation layer disposed between the organic encapsulation layer andthe planarization layer.

A portion of the planarization layer may overlap a portion of theorganic encapsulation layer.

The at least one inorganic encapsulation layer may further include asecond inorganic encapsulation layer disposed between the displayelement layer and the organic encapsulation layer, where the secondinorganic encapsulation layer continuously covers an inner surface ofthe groove.

The display device may further include a first inorganic barrier layerdisposed on the planarization layer.

The display device may further include a second inorganic barrier layerdisposed under the planarization layer, wherein the second inorganicbarrier layer may make contact with the first inorganic barrier layeraround a first edge of the planarization layer, the first edge beingadjacent to the display area.

The display device may further include an input sensing layer thatincludes a conductive layer and insulating layers respectively disposedon and under the conductive layer, wherein each of the first inorganicbarrier layer and the second inorganic barrier layer is integrallyformed with one of the insulating layers of the input sensing layer.

According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: asubstrate that includes an opening and a display area in which aplurality of pixels are disposed, the opening being formed between theplurality of pixels; a display element layer that includes a pluralityof display elements that respectively correspond to the plurality ofpixels, the display element layer including at least one organicmaterial layer; a thin-film encapsulation layer disposed on the displayelement layer; and a plurality of grooves formed in the substratebetween the opening and the display area and that disconnect the atleast one organic material layer.

The plurality of grooves may be formed in a polymer resin layer and aninorganic insulating layer, and each of the plurality of grooves mayinclude: a first hole formed in the inorganic insulating layer; and asecond hole or a recess, each formed in the polymer resin layer.

The substrate may have a multi-layered structure that includes thepolymer resin layer and the inorganic insulating layer.

A lateral surface of the inorganic insulating layer may include a tipthat protrudes further toward a center of the groove than a lateralsurface of the polymer resin layer, wherein the lateral surface of theinorganic insulating layer bounds the first hole, and the lateralsurface of the polymer resin layer bounds the second hole or the recess.

The display device may further include a planarization layer disposedbetween the opening and the display area.

The planarization layer may include an organic insulating material, andthe thin-film encapsulation layer may include: an organic encapsulationlayer; and a first inorganic encapsulation layer disposed between theorganic encapsulation layer and the planarization layer.

The thin-film encapsulation layer may further include a second inorganicencapsulation layer, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer and thesecond inorganic encapsulation layer may make contact with each otherbetween the opening and the display area, and a contact area of thefirst inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganicencapsulation layer may overlap the planarization layer.

The display device may further include: a first inorganic barrier layerdisposed under the planarization layer; and a second inorganic barrierlayer disposed on the planarization layer.

The first inorganic barrier layer and the second inorganic barrier layermay make contact with each other around a first edge of theplanarization layer, the first edge of the planarization layer beingadjacent to the display area.

The display device may further include: an input sensing layer thatincludes a conductive layer and insulating layers respectively disposedon and under the conductive layer, wherein each of the first inorganicbarrier layer and the second inorganic barrier layer may be integrallyformed with one of the insulating layers of the input sensing layer.

The planarization layer may be disposed between the opening and thedisplay area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views of a display device accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a display pan& according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one pixel of a display panel.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII′ of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an organic light-emittingdiode of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 9 to 14 are cross-sectional views that illustrate a process ofmanufacturing a display panel, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a process ofmanufacturing a display panel, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of an input sensing layer according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are plan views that respectively illustrate a firstconductive layer and a second conductive layer of an input sensing layeraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view of an input sensing layer accordingto an embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are plan views that respectively illustrate a firstconductive layer and a second conductive layer of an input sensing layeraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of an input sensing layer accordingto an embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are plan views that respectively illustrate a firstconductive layer and a second conductive layer of an input sensing layeraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of an input sensing layer accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area in a process of manufacturing a display panel,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of FIG. 25,

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area in a process of manufacturing a display panel,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of portion XVIII of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area in a process of manufacturing a display panel,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of portion XXX of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area in a process of manufacturing a display panel,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a lower barrier layer in a display panelaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a lower barrier layer in a display panelaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of a lower barrier layer in a display panelaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a first non-display area of adisplay panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of portion XXXVI of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of a portion of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII′ ofFIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a structure of a lowerbarrier layer in a second groove of a display device according to anembodiment.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment,

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are enlarged views of a third groove of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an opening area and a firstnon-display area of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 49A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 49B is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of portion “A” of FIGS. 49A and 49B.

FIG. 51 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 52 is an enlarged plan view of an opening area of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 54 is an enlarged plan view of an opening area of FIG. 53.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As the disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments,exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and describedin detail in the written description. This disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

Hereinafter, the disclosure will be described more fully with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure are shown. When description is made with reference to thedrawings, like reference numerals in the drawings may denote like orcorresponding elements, and repeated description thereof will beomitted.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component isreferred to as being “formed on” another layer, region, or component, itcan be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, orcomponent.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component isreferred to as being “connected” to another layer, region, or component,it may be “directly connected” to the other layer, region, or componentor may be “indirectly connected” to the other layer, region, orcomponent with other layer, region, or component interposedtherebetween.

Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c”indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b andc, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device 1 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to an embodiment, the display deviceincludes a first area OA, a second area DA, and a third area NDA. Thesecond area DA is a display area DA that emits light and the third areaNDA is a non-display area that does not emit light. Hereinafter, forconvenience of description, the second area DA will be described as thedisplay area DA, and the third area NDA will be described as thenon-display area NDA. The non-display area NDA is adjacent to thedisplay area DA. The display device 1 displays an image using lightemitted from a plurality of pixels arranged in the display area DAthereof.

According to an embodiment, the first area OA of the display device 1 isat least partially surrounded by the display area DA. FIG. 1 illustratesthat the first area OA is entirely surrounded by the display area DA. Anon-display area NDA includes a first non-display area NDA1 that isbetween the first area OA and the display area DA, and a secondnon-display area NDA2 that surrounds the display area DA. The firstnon-display area NDA1 may entirely surround the first area OA, thedisplay area DA may entirely surround the first non-display area NDA1,and the second non-display area NDA2 may entirely surround the displayarea DA.

Although an organic light-emitting display device is exemplarilydescribed below as the display device 1 according to an embodiment,embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a displaydevice may be, for example, an inorganic light-emitting display or aquantum dot light-emitting display.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views of a display device accordingto an embodiment and correspond to a cross-section of the display devicetaken along line II-II of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment, the display device 1include a display panel 10 and a component 20 that is located in thefirst area OA of the display panel 10.

According to an embodiment, the display panel 10 includes a substrate100, a display element layer 200 that includes display elements and thatis disposed on the substrate 100, a thin-film encapsulation layer 300that covers the display element layer 200, and an input sensing layer400 on the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 that senses a touch input.In addition, various other elements may be further disposed on the inputsensing layer 400, such as a reflection prevention member that includesa polarizer, a retarder, a color filter and a black matrix, or atransparent window. According to an embodiment, the substrate 100includes a polymer resin. The polymer resin substrate 100 is moreflexible than a glass substrate. The polymer resin may be a transparentpolymer resin. In addition to the polymer resin, the substrate 100 mayfurther include a single inorganic layer or multiple inorganic layersthat include SiNx and/or SiOx as a barrier layer that preventspenetration of external foreign substances.

According to an embodiment, the display element layer 200 includes adisplay element disposed in the display area DA. For example, thedisplay element includes an organic light-emitting diode. In addition,the display element layer 200 includes a thin film transistor, a storagecapacitor, and wirings connected with the display element.

According to an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer 300prevents external moisture or contaminants from penetrating into thedisplay element layer 200 by covering the display element layer 200. Thethin-film encapsulation layer 300 includes at least one inorganicencapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer.

According to an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 coversdisplay elements in the display area DA and extends into the non-displayarea NDA. In this regard, FIG. 2A illustrates that the thin-filmencapsulation layer 300 extends into the first non-display area NDA1.

According to an embodiment, the input sensing layer 400 is disposed inthe display area DA. The input sensing layer 400 can obtain an externalinput, such as coordinate information that corresponds to a touch event.The input sensing layer 400 includes sensing electrodes or touchelectrodes, and trace lines connected with the sensing electrodes.

According to an embodiment, a process of forming the input sensing layer400 may be successively performed after a process of forming aplanarization layer 610 described below, or may be successivelyperformed after a process of forming the thin-film encapsulation layer300. Therefore, no adhesive member need be interposed between the inputsensing layer 400 and the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 or betweenthe input sensing layer 400 and the planarization layer 610.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed inthe first non-display area NDA1. The planarization layer 610 includes anorganic insulating material. The planarization layer 610 may include aphotoresist, such as a negative or positive photoresist, or the samematerial as an organic encapsulation layer of the thin-filmencapsulation layer 300, or the same material as one of insulatinglayers of the input sensing layer described below, or include variousother types of organic insulating materials.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the display panel 10includes an opening 10H that passes or penetrates from a top surface toa bottom surface of the display panel 10. The opening 10H maycorresponds to the first area OA. The substrate 100, the display elementlayer 200, the thin-film encapsulation layer 300, the input sensinglayer 400, and the planarization layer 610 respectively include first tofifth openings 100H, 200H, 300H, 400H, and 610H that correspond to thefirst area OA. The first opening 100H passes or penetrates from a topsurface to a bottom surface of the substrate 100, the second opening200H passes or penetrates from a lowermost layer to an uppermost layerof the display element layer 200, and the third opening 300H passes orpenetrates the thin-film encapsulation layer 300. The fourth opening400H passes or penetrates from a lowermost layer to an uppermost layerof the input sensing layer 400, and the fifth opening 610H passes orpenetrates from a top surface to a bottom surface of the planarizationlayer 610. The first area OA may be understood as a opening area inwhich at least one opening, such as the first, second, third, fourth,fifth opening 100H, 200H, 300H, 400H, 610H, or the opening 10H, islocated. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first area OAwill be described as a opening area OA.

According to an embodiment, the opening area OA is a location in which acomponent 20 is positioned. The component 20 is positioned below thedisplay panel 10 as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, the component 20may be disposed inside the opening 10H such that the component 20overlaps lateral surfaces of the opening 10H of the display panel 10 asshown in FIG. 2B.

According to an embodiment, the component 20 includes an electronicelement. For example, the component 20 may be an electronic element thatuses light or sound. The electronic element can detect or produce lightor sound. For example, an electronic element is a sensor such as aninfrared sensor that generates and receives infrared light, a camerathat receives light and captures an image, a sensor that outputs andsenses light or sound to measure a distance or recognize a fingerprint,a small lamp that outputs light, a microphone, or a speaker that outputssound, An electronic element that uses light can use various wavelengthbands, such as visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light. Inan embodiment, the opening area OA may be a transmission area throughwhich light or sound, which are output from or received by the component20, can propagate or pass.

In an embodiment, when the display panel 10 is part of a smart watch oran instrument panel for an automobile, the component 20 may be a memberthat includes a clock hand or an instrument needle that indicatespredetermined information, such as vehicle's velocity, etc. Thecomponent 20 may be disposed at a location corresponding to the opening10H of the display panel 10 as shown in FIG. 2A or 2B, and may includeelement(s) related to a function of the display panel 10 or an elementsuch as an accessory that improves an appearance of the display panel10.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the substrate100 includes the first opening 100H that corresponds to the opening areaOA. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, the substrate 100 doesnot include the first opening 100H. As shown by a dotted line, thecomponent 20 may be disposed below the display panel 10, or as shown bya solid line, the component 20 may be disposed inside the opening 10H ofthe display panel 10. The component 20 disposed below the display panel10 may be an electronic element that uses light. In this case, lighttransmittance of the opening area OA of the display panel 10 is at leastabout 50%, or at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%.

According to an embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A to2C, the substrate 100 may or might not include the first opening 100H.When the substrate 100 includes the first opening 100H, the substrate100 can be variously used without a limit with regard to the type andlocation of the component 20. Hereinafter, for convenience ofdescription, although a display panel is described that includes thesubstrate 100 that includes the first opening 100H, features describedbelow can be incorporated into a display panel shown in FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the display panel 10 according to anembodiment, and FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one of pixelsof the display panel 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to an embodiment, the display panel 10includes the display area DA, the first non-display area NDA1 and thesecond non-display area NDA2. FIG. 3 illustrates the substrate 100 ofthe display panel 10. For example, the substrate 100 includes theopening area OA, the display area DA, and the first and secondnon-display areas NDA1 and NDA2.

According to an embodiment, the display panel 10 includes a plurality ofpixels P arranged in the display area DA. Each of the pixels P includesan organic light-emitting diodes OLED. Each pixel P can emit, forexample, red, green, blue or white light through the organiclight-emitting diode OLED.

Referring to FIG. 4, according to an embodiment, each pixel P includes apixel circuit PC and an organic light-emitting diode OLED as a displayelement connected to the pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuit PC includesa first thin film transistor T1, a second thin film transistor T2, and astorage capacitor Cst.

According to an embodiment, the second thin film transistor T2 is aswitching thin film transistor. The second thin film transistor T2 isconnected to a scan line SL and a data line DL, and transmits a datavoltage received from the data line DL to the first thin film transistorT1 according to a switching voltage received from the scan line SL. Thestorage capacitor Cst is connected to the second thin film transistor T2and a driving voltage line PL, and stores a voltage that corresponds toa difference between a voltage received from the second thin filmtransistor T2 and a first power voltage ELVDD received through thedriving voltage line PL.

According to an embodiment, the first thin film transistor T1 is adriving thin film transistor. The first thin film transistor T1 isconnected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst,and controls a driving current flowing through the organiclight-emitting diode OLED from the driving voltage line PL based on avoltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light-emittingdiode OLED emits light having a predetermined brightness using thedriving current. An opposite electrode, such as a cathode, of theorganic light-emitting diode OLED receives a second power voltage ELVSS.

According to an embodiment, although FIG. 4 illustrates a pixel circuitPC that includes two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor,embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Thenumber of thin film transistors and storage capacitors may varydepending on a design of the pixel circuit PC.

Referring to FIG. 3 again, according to an embodiment, the firstnon-display area NDA1 surrounds the opening area OA. The firstnon-display area NDA1 is an area in which no display element, such as anorganic light-emitting diode OLED, is disposed. Signal lines thattransmit signals to the pixels P around the opening area OA may extendacross the first non-display area NDA1, or groove(s) described below maybe formed in the first non-display area NDA1. A scan driver 1100 thatprovides a scan signal to each pixel P, a data driver 1200 that providesa data signal to each pixel P, and a main power wiring (that providesfirst and second power voltages are disposed in the second non-displayarea NDA2. Alternatively, the data driver 1200 can be disposed on aflexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected to a pad provided on oneside of the display panel 10.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a display panel according to anembodiment and shows signal lines located in the first non-display areaNDA1.

Referring to FIG. 5, according to an embodiment, pixels P are disposedin the display area DA around the opening area OA. The first non-displayarea NDA1 is located between the opening area OA and the display areaDA.

According to an embodiment, the pixels P are spaced apart from eachother and with respect to the opening area OA. In a plan view, thepixels P are vertically spaced apart from each other and with respect tothe opening area OA, and are horizontally spaced apart from each otherand with respect to the opening area OA.

According to an embodiment, signal lines adjacent to the opening area OAthat transmit signals to the pixels P detour around the opening area OA.Some of the data lines that extend across the display area DA extend ina y-direction to transmit data signals to the pixels P disposed aroundthe opening area OA, and detour along an edge of the opening area OA inthe first non-display area NDA1. Some of the scan lines SL that extendacross the display area DA extend in an x-direction to transmit scansignals to the pixels P disposed around the opening area OA, and detouralong an edge of the opening area OA in the first non-display area NDA1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a display panel according to anembodiment and shows a groove located in the first non-display areaNDA1.

According to an embodiment, at least one groove is formed between theopening area OA and the display area DA. In this regard, FIG. 6 showsthat first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed between the openingarea OA and the display area DA. However, embodiments are not limitedthereto, and in other embodiments, more than 3 grooves or fewer than 3grooves may be formed in the first non-display area NDA1.

According to an embodiment, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 areconcentric circles that have a ring shape that entirely surround theopening area OA in the first non-display area NDA1. A diameter of eachof the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 is greater than a diameterof the opening area OA, and the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 arespaced apart from each other by predetermined intervals.

According to an embodiment, widths of at least two of the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 differ from each other. In this regard, FIG. 6shows that a width of the third groove G3 is greater than those of thefirst and second groove G1 and G2. However, embodiments are not limitedthereto, and in other embodiment, widths of at least two of the first tothird grooves G1, G2 and G3 may be the same. Widths between protrudingtips of at least two of the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are thesame. The protruding tips of each of the first to third grooves G1, G2,and G3 will be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to an embodiment, the first tothird grooves G1, G2 and G3 are closer to the opening area OA than thesignal lines that detour around the opening area OA.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to anembodiment and corresponds to a cross-section taken along a lineVII-VII′, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an organiclight-emitting diode of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the opening area OA and thefirst non-display area NDA1, and the display area DA. FIG. 7 shows thatthe substrate 100 includes the first opening 100H of the opening areaOA. Hereinafter, the opening area OA may refer to the opening 10H of thedisplay panel 10 or the first opening 100H of the substrate 100.

First, the display area DA of FIG. 7 is described.

According to an embodiment, the substrate 100 includes a polymer resin.The substrate 100 includes a base layer that includes a polymer resin,and an inorganic layer. For example, the substrate 100 includes a firstbase layer 101, a first inorganic layer 102, a second base layer 103,and a second inorganic layer 104.

According to an embodiment, each of the first and second base layers 101and 103 includes a polymer resin. For example, each of the first andsecond base layers 101 and 103 includes a polymer resin such aspolyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI),polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyacrylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate(PC), or cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The polymer resin istransparent.

According to an embodiment, each of the first and second inorganiclayers 102 and 104 is a barrier layer that prevents penetration ofexternal foreign substances and may be a single layer or includemultiple layers that include an inorganic material such as SiNx or SiOx.

According to an embodiment, a buffer layer 201 that prevents impuritiesfrom penetrating into a semiconductor layer of a thin film transistor isdisposed on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 201 includes aninorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide.The buffer layer 201 may be a single layer or include multiple layersthat include the inorganic insulating material. In an embodiment, thesecond inorganic layer 104 of the substrate 100 is a partial-layer orsub-layer of a multi-layered buffer layer 201.

According to an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC, which includes thethin film transistor TFT and the storage capacitor Cst, is disposed overthe buffer layer 201. The thin film transistor TFT includes asemiconductor layer Act, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, anda drain electrode DE. The thin film transistor TFT shown in FIG. 7corresponds to the driving thin film transistor described with referenceto FIG. 4. In a present embodiment, although FIG. 7 illustrates atop-gate type thin film transistor in which the gate electrode GE isdisposed over the semiconductor layer Act with a gate insulating layer203 therebetween, according to other embodiments, the thin filmtransistor TFT is a bottom-gate type thin film transistor.

According to an embodiment, the semiconductor layer Act includespolycrystalline silicon. Alternatively, in other embodiments, thesemiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon or an oxidesemiconductor, or an organic semiconductor. The gate electrode GEincludes a low-resistance metal. The gate electrode GE includes aconductive material, such as Mo, Al, Cu, or Ti, and may be a singlelayer or include multiple layers (multiple structure) that includes theabove-mentioned materials.

According to an embodiment, a gate insulating layer 203 is disposedbetween the semiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE. The gateinsulating layer 203 includes an inorganic insulating material such assilicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide,titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, or hafnium oxide. The gate insulatinglayer 203 may be a single layer or include multiple layers that includethe above-mentioned materials.

According to an embodiment, the source electrode SE and the drainelectrode DE both include a conductive material. The source electrode SEand the drain electrode DE include a conductive material such as Mo, Al,Cu, or Ti, or a compound thereof. The source electrode SE and the drainelectrode DE may be a single layer or include multiple layers thatinclude the above-mentioned materials. In an embodiment, the sourceelectrode SE and the drain electrode DE include multiple layers thatinclude Ti/Al/Ti.

According to an embodiment, the storage capacitor Cst includes a lowerelectrode CE1 and an upper electrode CE2 that overlap each other with afirst interlayer insulating layer 205 therebetween. The storagecapacitor Cst overlaps the thin film transistor TFT. In this regard,FIG. 7 shows that the gate electrode GE of the thin film transistor TFTserves as the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst. However,in other embodiments, the storage capacitor does not overlap the thinfilm transistor TFT. The storage capacitor Cst is covered by a secondinterlayer insulating layer 207.

According to an embodiment, the first and second interlayer insulatinglayers 205 and 207 include an inorganic insulating material such assilicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide,titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, or hafnium oxide. The first and secondinterlayer insulating layers 205 and 207 may each be a single layer orinclude multiple layers that include the above-mentioned materials.

According to an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC, which includes thethin film transistor TFT and the storage capacitor Cst, is covered by anorganic insulating layer 209. The organic insulating layer 209 is aplanarizing insulating layer. The organic insulating layer includes anorganic insulating material that includes a general-purpose polymer suchas an imide-based polymer, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene(PS), or polymer derivatives that have a phenol-based group, anacryl-based polymer, an imide-based polymer, an aryl ether-basedpolymer, an amide-based polymer, a fluorine-based polymer, ap-xylene-based polymer, a vinyl alcohol-based polymer, or a blendthereof. In an embodiment, the organic insulating layer 209 includespolyimide.

According to an embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode OLED isdisposed on the organic insulating layer 209. A pixel electrode 221 ofthe organic light-emitting diode OLED is disposed on the organicinsulating layer 209 and is connected with the pixel circuit PC througha contact hole in the organic insulating layer 209.

According to an embodiment, the pixel electrode 221 includes aconductive oxide such indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (IZO), zincoxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), oraluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In other embodiments, the pixel electrode 221includes a reflective layer that includes Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni,Nd, Ir, Cr, or a compound thereof. In other embodiments, the pixelelectrode 221 further includes a layer that includes ITO, IZO, ZnO, orIn₂O₃ on or under the reflective layer.

According to an embodiment, a pixel-defining layer 211 includes anopening that exposes a top surface of the pixel electrode 221 and coversan edge of the pixel electrode 221. The pixel-defining layer 211includes an organic insulating material. However, in other embodiments,the pixel-defining layer 211 may include an inorganic insulatingmaterial or may include an organic and an inorganic insulating material.

According to an embodiment, an intermediate layer 222 that includes anemission layer 222 b is disposed on the pixel electrode 221 andpixel-defining layer 211. The emission layer 222 b includes a polymer orlow molecular organic material that emits light of a predeterminedcolor. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the intermediate layer 222includes a first functional layer 222 a under the emission layer 222 band a second functional layer 222 c over the emission layer 222 b.

According to an embodiment, the first functional layer 222 a may be asingle layer or include multiple layers. For example, when the firstfunctional layer 222 a includes a polymer material, the first functionallayer 222 a is a hole transport layer (HTL), which has a single-layeredstructure, and includes poly-(3,4)-ethylene-dihydroxy thiophene (PEDOT)or polyaniline (PANI). When the first functional layer 222 a includes alow molecular material, the first functional layer 222 a includes a holeinjection layer (HIL) and an HTL.

According to an embodiment, the second functional layer 222 c isoptional. For example, when the first functional layer 222 a and theemission layer 222 b include a polymer material, the second functionallayer 222 c is provided to improve characteristics of the organiclight-emitting diode OLED. The second functional layer 222 c may be asingle layer or include multiple layers. The second functional layer 222c includes an electron transport layer (ETL) or an electron injectionlayer (EIL).

According to an embodiment, some of the plurality of layers thatconstitute the intermediate layer 222, such as the functional layer(s),are disposed on not only the display area DA but also the firstnon-display area NDA1, and are separated in the first non-display areaNDA1 by the first groove G1, the second groove G2 and the third grooveG3 described below.

According to an embodiment, an opposite electrode 223 is disposed thatfaces the pixel electrode 221 with the intermediate layer 222therebetween. The opposite electrode 223 includes a conductive materialthat has a low work function. For example, the opposite electrode 223includes a (semi) transparent layer that includes Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd,Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or an ally thereof. However, in otherembodiments, the opposite electrode 223 further includes a layer thatincludes ITO, IZO, or In₂O₃ on the (semi) transparent layer thatincludes the above-mentioned material.

According to an embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode OLED iscovered by the thin-film encapsulation layer 300. The thin-filmencapsulation layer 300 includes at least one organic encapsulationlayer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. FIG. 7 shows thatthe thin-film encapsulation layer 300 includes first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 and an organic encapsulationlayer 320 therebetween. However, in other embodiments, the number oforganic encapsulation layers and inorganic encapsulation layers, and astacked sequence may change.

According to an embodiment, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 include one or more inorganic insulating materialssuch as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide,zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, andcan be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), etc. The organicencapsulation layer 320 includes a polymer-based material. Thepolymer-based material includes an acrylic-based resin, an epoxy-basedresin, polyimide, or polyethylene.

According to an embodiment, the input sensing layer 400 is disposed onthe thin-film encapsulation layer 300. The input sensing layer 400obtains coordinate information that corresponds to an external input,such as a touch event. Since the input sensing layer 400 is disposeddirectly formed over the substrate 100, including the thin-filmencapsulation layer 300, and thus contacts the thin-film encapsulationlayer 300, an additional member such as an adhesive layer that couplesthe input sensing layer 400 to the thin-film encapsulation layer 300,can be omitted. The input sensing layer 400 includes sensing or touchelectrodes and trace lines connected to the sensing electrodes. Theinput sensing layer 400 includes first and second conductive layers 410and 420 and first to third insulating layers 401, 403, and 405. At leastone of the first or second conductive layers 410 or 420 includes thesensing electrodes. In this regard, a specific structure of the inputsensing layer 400 is described below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20C.

Next, the first non-display area NDA1 of FIG. 7 is described.

Referring to the first non-display area NDA1 of FIG. 7, according to anembodiment, the first non-display area NDA1 includes a firstsub-non-display area SNDA1, which is relatively far from the openingarea OA, and a second sub-non-display area SNDA2, which is relativelyclose to the opening area OA.

According to an embodiment, the first sub-non-display area SNDA1 is anarea across which signal lines extend. Data lines DL in FIG. 7correspond to the data lines DL that detour around the opening area OAdescribed with reference to FIG. 5, and the first sub-non-display areaSNDA1 is a wiring area across which the signal lines extend. The datalines DL are alternately disposed on different layers with an insulatinglayer therebetween, or are disposed on the same insulating layer. Whenneighboring data lines DL are respectively disposed on and under with aninsulating layer, such as the second interlayer insulating layer 207,therebetween, a gap or pitch between the adjacent data lines DL can bereduced and a width of the first non-display area NDA1 can be reduced.Although FIG. 7 shows the data lines DL extending through the firstsub-non-display area SNDA1, the scan lines SL that detour around theopening area OA described with reference to FIG. 5 also extend throughthe first sub-non-display area SNDA1.

According to an embodiment, the second sub-non-display area SNDA2 is agroove area in which the grooves are formed. The first to third groovesG1, G2 and G3 are formed in the second sub-non-display area SNDA2. Eachof the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 has an undercut structure.The first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed through multiplelayers that include an inorganic layer and an organic layer. Forexample, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed by removinga portion of the substrate 100 that includes a plurality of layers.

According to an embodiment, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 areformed by etching the second base layer 103 and the second inorganiclayer 104 thereon. In this regard, FIG. 7 shows that the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed by removing a portion of the secondbase layer 103 and the second inorganic layer 104. Referring to FIG. 7,the buffer layer 201, the gate insulating layer 203, the first andsecond interlayer insulating layers 205 and 207 over the secondinorganic layer 104 are also removed and constitute a portion of each ofthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, each of the first to third grooves G1, G2and G3 has an undercut structure. In detail, a width of a portion of thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 that at least partially penetratesthe second base layer 103 is greater than a width of a portion of thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 that penetrates the inorganicinsulating layer(s), such as the second inorganic layer 104 or thebuffer layer 201. Portions of the intermediate layer 222 and theopposite electrode 223 are separated by the undercut structure of thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310of the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 covers an inner surface of thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3. The organic encapsulation layer320 covers the first groove G1 and at least partially fills a portion ofthe first groove G1. The organic encapsulation layer 320 is formed bycoating a monomer over the substrate 100 and hardening the monomer. Tocontrol a flow of the monomer and secure a thickness of the monomer, apartition wall 500 is provided between the first groove G1 and thesecond groove G2. The partition wall 500 has a stacked structure thatincludes a first sub-wall portion 510 and a second sub-wall portion 520,each of which includes an organic insulating layer. An edge 320E of theorganic encapsulation layer 320 is spaced apart from the opening area OAor an edge 100E of the substrate 100 by a predetermined interval. Thesecond inorganic encapsulation layer 330 is disposed on the organicencapsulation layer 320 and covers an inner surface of the second andthird grooves G2 and G3. The second inorganic encapsulation layer 330directly contacts the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 in thesecond and third grooves G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed inthe second sub-non-display area SNDA2 and covers at least one groove.The planarization layer 610 covers the second and third grooves G2 andG3 and at least partially fills at least one of the second or thirdgrooves G2 or G3. As shown in FIG. 7, the planarization layer 610 atleast partially fills an interior space of the second groove G2 over thesecond inorganic encapsulation layer 330. The planarization layer 610increases a flatness of the display panel around the opening area OA bycovering at least an area of the second sub-non-display area SNDA2 thatis not covered by the organic encapsulation layer 320.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 includes anorganic insulating material. The planarization layer 610 is spatiallyseparated from the organic encapsulation layer 320 by the secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330. For example, when the planarizationlayer 610 is disposed on the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330,and the organic encapsulation layer 320 is disposed under the secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330, the organic encapsulation layer 320and the planarization layer 610 are spatially separated from each other.The organic encapsulation layer 320 does not directly contact theplanarization layer 610. The planarization layer 610 has a thickness of,for example, at least about 5 μm.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the planarization layer 610overlaps the organic encapsulation layer 320. A first edge 610E1 of theplanarization layer 610 extends over the organic encapsulation layer 320and overlaps the organic encapsulation layer 320. A second edge 610E2 ofthe planarization layer 610 is spaced apart from the opening area OA orthe edge 100E of the substrate 100 by a predetermined interval.Therefore, a second edge 620E2 of a barrier layer 620, which will bedescribed below, directly contacts the second inorganic encapsulationlayer 330 in an area adjacent to the opening 10H. The planarizationlayer 610 can prevent or minimize the occurrence of cracks, floats, andexfoliation in insulating layer(s) and metal or conductive layer(s) inthe first non-display area NDA1 during a process of manufacturing thedisplay panel. The planarization layer 610 is covered by the barrierlayer 620.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer 620 is disposed in thefirst non-display area NDA1 and covers the planarization layer 610. Thebarrier layer 620 covers a top surface and a lateral surface of theplanarization layer 610. As shown in FIG. 7, the first edge 620E1 of thebarrier layer 620 is located on the same vertical line as the first edge610E1 of the planarization layer 610. However, in other embodiments, thefirst edge 620E1 of the barrier layer 620 extends over a top surface ofthe second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 beyond an edge of theplanarization layer 610 and contacts the second inorganic encapsulationlayer 330. The second edge 620E2 of the barrier layer 620 is located onthe same vertical line as the edge 100E of the substrate 100.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer 620 includes an inorganicmaterial, such as an inorganic insulating material or a metal. In anembodiment, the barrier layer 620 includes the same material as aninorganic insulating layer or metal layer included in the input sensinglayer 400. For example, the barrier layer 620 includes first to fourthsub-barrier layers 621, 622, 623, and 624. The first and thirdsub-barrier layers 621 and 623 may respectively include the samematerials as the first and second insulating layers 401 and 403 of theinput sensing layer 400. In this case, unlike FIG. 7, the first andthird sub-barrier layers 621 and 623 are respectively connected, as onebody, to the first and second insulating layers 401 and 403 of the inputsensing layer 400. The second and fourth sub-barrier layers 622 and 624respectively include the same materials as the first and secondconductive layers 410 and 420 of the input sensing layer 400, but arenot connected with the first and second conductive layers 410 and 420and are spaced apart from each other. Though FIG. 7 shows that thebarrier layer 620 includes the first to fourth sub-barrier layers 621,622, 623, and 624, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto. The barrier layer 620 may be a single layer or have two orthree layers. For example, the barrier layer 620 includes at least oneof the first to fourth sub-barrier layers 621, 622, 623, or 624.

FIGS. 9 to 14 are cross-sectional views illustrating the opening area OAand the first non-display area NDA1 in a process of manufacturing adisplay panel according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectionalview of the first to third grooves formed in the display panel of FIG.7, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first to thirdgrooves being formed according to another embodiment, FIG. 11 is across-sectional view illustrating an intermediate layer to a thin-filmencapsulation layer being formed over the display panel of FIG. 9, FIGS.12 and 13 are cross-sectional views illustrating that the planarizationlayer 610 and the barrier layer 620 are formed after the process of FIG.11, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process ofmanufacturing a display panel according to another embodiment and is across-sectional view of a state after a cutting or scribing processaccording to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, according to an embodiment, the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed by removing a portion of amulti-layered film. The multi-layered film includes at least one ofpartial layer of the substrate. The multi-layered film has a stackedstructure that includes a layer that includes an organic insulatingmaterial such as a polymer resin and a layer that includes an inorganicinsulating material disposed thereon. For example, the second base layer103, which includes a polymer resin, and inorganic insulating layer(s)such as the second inorganic layer 104 or the buffer layer 201 on thesecond base layer 103 correspond to the multi-layered film. Although thesecond inorganic layer 104 and the buffer layer 201 are respectivelydenoted by separate names in FIG. 9, the second inorganic layer 104 maybe a portion (or sub-layer) of the buffer layer 201, which has multiplelayers, or the buffer layer 201 may be a portion (or sub-layer) of thesecond inorganic layer 104, which has multiple layers.

According to an embodiment, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 areformed by removing a portion of the second base layer 103 and a portionof the inorganic insulating layer(s). In an embodiment, FIG. 9 showsthat portions of the second base layer 103 and the second inorganiclayer 104 are removed through an etching process. Portions of the bufferlayer 201, the gate insulating layer 203, and the first and secondinterlayer insulating layers 205 and 207 are removed through the etchingprocess. An etching process that removes portions of the second baselayer 103, and an etching process that removes the inorganic insulatinglayer(s) on the second base layer 103 are performed separately. Thepartition wall 500 is disposed between the first groove G1 and thesecond groove G2 and includes the first sub-wall portion 510 thatincludes the same material as the organic insulating layer 209, and thesecond sub-wall portion 520 that includes the same material as thepixel-defining layer 211.

According to an embodiment, a width W1 of a portion of the first grooveG1 that at least partially penetrates the second base layer 103 isgreater than a width W2 of the first groove G1 that penetrates thebuffer layer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104. Therefore, thefirst groove G1 has an undercut structure. A lateral side of the bufferlayer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104 protrude further toward acenter of the first groove G1 than a lateral side of the second baselayer 103. Portions of the buffer layer 201 and the second inorganiclayer 104 that protrude further toward the center of the first groove G1in a direction parallel to a top surface of the substrate 100 correspondto a pair of protruded tips PT. A protruded tip PT of each of the firstto third grooves G1, G2 and G3 protrudes by about 0.7 μm to about 1.5 μmtoward the center of each of the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, like the first groove G1, the second andthird grooves G2 and G3 have an undercut structure. Widths W1′ and W1″of portions of the second and third grooves G2 and G3 that penetrateinto the second base layer 103 are greater than widths W2′ and W2″ ofportions of the first groove G1 that penetrate the buffer layer 201 andthe second inorganic layer 104. Likewise, lateral sides of the bufferlayer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104 of the second and thirdgrooves G2 and G3 protrude further toward the center of the first grooveG1 than a lateral side of the second base layer 103. A pair of protrudedtips PT of the buffer layer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104 thatprotrude toward a center of each of the first to third grooves G1, G2and G3 form an undercut structure

According to an embodiment, widths of at least two of the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 differ from each other. A width of a groovedenotes a width between the pair of protruded tips of the groove. Forexample, a width W2 between protruded tips of the first groove G1 isless than a width W2′ between protruded tips of the second groove G2. Awidth W2′ between protruded tips of the second groove G2 is less than awidth W2″ between protruded tips of the third groove G3. However,embodiments are not limited thereto, and widths between protruded tipsof at least two of the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 may be thesame in other embodiments. In other embodiments, a width of grooves thatare further from the opening area OA is less than a width of groovesthat are closer to the opening area OA. In other embodiments, widths ofthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 and the other grooves may bevariously selected. For example widths of the grooves may alternatebetween being wide and being narrow.

According to an embodiment, FIG. 9 shows that the first to third groovesG1, G2 and G3 include a hole that penetrates an inorganic insulatinglayer, such as the buffer layer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104,and a recess formed in the second base layer 103. Depths h1, h2, and h3of recesses respectively formed in the second base layer 103 are lessthan a thickness t of the second base layer 103. Bottom surfaces of thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 correspond to a virtual surfacebetween a top surface and a bottom surface of the second base layer 103.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, each of the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 includes a hole that penetrates an inorganicinsulating layer, such as the buffer layer 201 and the second inorganiclayer 104, and a hole that penetrates the second base layer 103. Depthsh1′, h2′, and h3′ of holes respectively formed in the second base layer103 are substantially equal to a thickness t of the second base layer103. Therefore, bottom surfaces of the first to third grooves G1, G2 andG3 correspond to a bottom surface of the second base layer 103. Thedepths h1, h2, h3, h1′, h2′, and h3′ of the recesses or holes are atleast about 2 μm.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the structure shown in FIG.9 is mainly described, in which bottom surfaces of the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 are located between the top surface and the bottomsurface of the second base layer 103, however, the second base layer 103may have the structure described with reference to FIG. 10 inembodiments described below and embodiments derived therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 11, according to an embodiment, the intermediate layer222 and the opposite electrode 223 are formed over the substrate 100,including the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3. The intermediatelayer 222 and the opposite electrode 223 may be formed through thermaldeposition, etc. A portion of the intermediate layer 222, such as thefirst and second functional layers 222 a and 222 c, and the oppositeelectrode 223 can be formed as one body in the display area DA and thefirst non-display area NDA1. The first and second functional layers 222a and 222 c are separated in the first non-display area NDA1 by theundercut structures of the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.Likewise, the opposite electrode 223 is also separated in the firstnon-display area NDA1 by the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, unlike the intermediate layer 222 and theopposite electrode 223, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 ofthe thin-film encapsulation layer 300 has good step coverage, and thusthe first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 can be continuously formedwithout separating. As shown in FIG. 11, the first inorganicencapsulation layer 310 entirely covers inner surfaces of the first tothird grooves G1, G2 and G3. Lateral surfaces and bottom surfaces of thebuffer layer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104, and lateralsurfaces and bottom surfaces of the second base layer 103 thatconstitute the grooves are covered by the first inorganic encapsulationlayer 310. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 covers theseparated first and second functional layers 222 a and 222 c andopposite electrode 223 placed on the bottom surfaces of the first tothird grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, a layer on the substrate 100 that includesan organic material can serve as a moisture transmission path forforeign substances such as moisture or oxygen. Since the first andsecond functional layers 222 a and 222 c, which include an organicmaterial, are separated by the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3,propagation of moisture in a lateral (x) direction can be prevented anddamage of an organic light-emitting diode can be prevented.

According to an embodiment, the first groove G1 is covered by and filledwith the organic encapsulation layer 320. During a process ofmanufacturing the organic encapsulation layer 320, a flow of a monomeris controlled by the partition wall 500 between the first groove G1 andthe second groove G2. The organic encapsulation layer 320, which isformed when the monomer hardens, does not extend beyond the partitionwall 500 because flow of the monomer has been blocked by the partitionwall 500. A thickness of the organic encapsulation layer 320 iscontrolled by the partition well 500, and the second and third groovesG2 and G3 are not covered by the organic encapsulation layer 320.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the inner surfaces ofthe second and third grooves G2 and G3 are covered by the firstinorganic encapsulation layer 310. The first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330 contact each other in the second andthird grooves G2 and G3. The first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 are formed not only in the display area DA and thefirst non-display area NDA1, but also in the opening area OA.

Referring to FIG. 12, according to an embodiment, a pre-planarizationlayer 610P is formed on the thin-film encapsulation layer 300. Thepre-planarization layer 610P includes an organic material, such as anegative or positive photoresist, or a polymer-based material. Thepre-planarization layer 610P covers an area of the first non-displayarea NDA1 in which the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers310 and 330 contact each other, and a portion of the pre-planarizationlayer 610P overlaps the organic encapsulation layer 320 with the secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330 therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 13, the planarization layer 610 is formed bypatterning the pre-planarization layer 610P. For example, theplanarization layer 610 is formed by removing a portion of thepre-planarization layer 610P that corresponds to the opening area OA.The planarization layer 610 covers the second and third grooves G2 andG3. As shown in FIG. 13, the planarization layer 610 fills a portion ofthe second and third grooves G2 and G3. A location of the second edge610E2 of the planarization layer 610 may change in a left-rightdirection from the location shown in FIG. 13 depending on a process ofpatterning the pre-planarization layer 610P. After that, according to anembodiment, the barrier layer 620 is formed on the planarization layer610. The barrier layer 620 is an inorganic layer and includes aninorganic insulating layer or a metal layer. The barrier layer 620includes at least one of layers provided to the input sensing layer asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 7.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer 620 covers a top surfaceand a lateral surface of the planarization layer 610. The barrier layer620 covers a top surface of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330in the opening area OA and in a portion of the first non-display areaNDA1. The barrier layer 620 directly contacts the top surface and thelateral surface of the planarization layer 610, and directly contacts atop surface of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.

Next, according to an embodiment, when a laser cutting or scribingprocess is performed along a first line SCL1 that corresponds to theopening area OA, the first opening 100H is formed in the substrate 100as shown in FIG. 14. If a crack forms in the inorganic insulating layerduring a process of cutting or scribing the substrate 100, the crack canpropagate along an arrow direction (“C”) of FIG. 14. However, the crackdoes not propagate further toward the display area DA due to theundercut structure of the third groove G3.

According to an embodiment, when the cutting or scribing process isperformed along the first line SCL1 of FIG. 13, the third groove G3 hasan eave structure with protruded tips in a left-right direction in across-sectional view as shown in FIG. 14. In another embodiment, whenthe cutting or scribing process is performed along a second line SCL2,that overlaps the third groove G3, as shown in FIG. 13, the third grooveG3 has only a right protruded tip as shown in FIG. 15.

According to an embodiment, although the laser cutting or scribingprocess has been described as a method of forming the first opening 100Hin the substrate 100 according to an embodiment, in other embodiments,other methods such as mechanical polishing can be used.

According to an embodiment, the structure described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 15 surrounds the opening 10H, that is, the opening area OA.For example, the planarization layer 610 between the opening area OA andthe display area DA is a ring-shaped area that surrounding the openingarea OA in plan view as shown in FIG. 16. The organic encapsulationlayer 320 covers the display area DA and a portion of the firstnon-display area NDA1, and the edge 320E of the organic encapsulationlayer 320 is spaced apart from the opening area OA by a predeterminedinterval and overlaps the planarization layer 610.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the input sensing layer 400 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, according to an embodiment, the input sensinglayer 400 includes first sensing electrodes SP1 and second sensingelectrodes SP2 disposed in the display area DA. The first sensingelectrodes SP1 are spaced apart in the x-direction, and the secondsensing electrodes SP2 are spaced in a y-direction that crosses thex-direction. The first sensing electrodes SP1 perpendicularly cross thesecond sensing electrodes SP2.

According to an embodiment, the first sensing electrodes SP1 and thesecond sensing electrodes SP2 are arranged such that corners thereof areadjacent to each other. The first sensing electrodes SP1 areelectrically connected to each other through first connection electrodesCP1, and the second sensing electrodes SP2 are electrically connected toeach other through second connection electrodes CP2. FIGS. 18A and 18Bare plan views that respectively illustrate the first conductive layer410 and the second conductive layer 420 of the input sensing layer 400according to an embodiment, and FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view ofthe input sensing layer 400 according to an embodiment and correspondsto a cross-section taken along line XVII-XVII′ of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, according to an embodiment, the firstsensing electrode SP1 and the second sensing electrode SP2 are locatedin the same layer. The first conductive layer 410 includes the firstconnection electrodes CP1, shown in FIG. 18A, and the second conductivelayer 420 includes the first sensing electrode SP1, the second sensingelectrode SP2, and the second connection electrodes CP2, shown in FIG.18B.

According to an embodiment, the second sensing electrodes SP2 areconnected to each other by the second connection electrodes CP2 locatedin the same layer. The first sensing electrodes SP1 are spaced apart inthe x-direction and connected by the first connection electrodes CP1located in a different layer.

Referring to FIG. 18C, according to an embodiment, the second insulatinglayer 403 is interposed between the first conductive layer 410 and thesecond conductive layer 420. The first sensing electrodes SP1 located inthe second conductive layer 420 are connected with the first connectionelectrode CP1 located in the first conductive layer 410 through contactholes CNT in the second insulating layer 403. The second conductivelayer 420 is covered by the third insulating layer 405. The firstinsulating layer 401 is disposed under the first conductive layer 410.The first and second insulating layers 401 and 403 are inorganicinsulating layers that include an inorganic material such as siliconnitride, and the third insulating layer 405 is an organic insulatinglayer. Though FIG. 18C shows that the first insulating layer 401 isdisposed between the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 and the firstconductive layer 410, in other embodiments, the first insulating layer401 may be omitted and the first conductive layer 410 may be disposeddirectly on the thin-film encapsulation layer 300. In other embodiments,the first and second insulating layers 401 and 403 are organicinsulating layers.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are plan views that respectively illustrate the firstconductive layer 410 and the second conductive layer 420 of the inputsensing layer 400 according to other embodiments, and FIG. 19C is across-sectional view of the input sensing layer 400 according to anembodiment of FIGS. 19A and 19B and corresponds to a cross-section takenalong line XVII-XVII′ of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, according to an embodiment, the firstconductive layer 410 includes the first sensing electrodes SP1 and thefirst connection electrodes CP1 that connect the first sensingelectrodes SP1, and the second conductive layer 420 includes the secondsensing electrodes SP2 and the second connection electrodes CP2 thatconnect the second sensing electrodes SP2. The first conductive layer410 further includes second auxiliary sensing electrodes S-SP2, eachconnected with the second sensing electrode SP2, and the secondconductive layer 420 further include first auxiliary sensing electrodesS-SP1 connected with the first sensing electrode SP1.

Referring to an enlarged view of FIG. 19A, according to an embodiment,each of the first sensing electrodes SP1 includes a plurality of holesH. The holes H overlap an emission area P-E of a pixel P. In addition,the second sensing electrode SP2, the first auxiliary sensing electrodeS-SP1, and the second auxiliary sensing electrode S-SP2 also include aplurality of holes, each corresponding to an emission area P-E of apixel P as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 19A.

Referring to FIG. 19C, according to an embodiment, the first auxiliarysensing electrode S-SP1 is connected to the first sensing electrode SP1through contact holes CNT in the second insulating layer 403. Throughthis structure, a resistance of the first sensing electrode SP1 can bereduced. Likewise, the second sensing electrode SP2 is connected to thesecond auxiliary sensing electrode S-SP2 through contact holes in thesecond insulating layer 403. The first and second insulating layers 401and 403 are inorganic insulating layers, and the first and secondconductive layers 410 and 420 may each be a single layer or includemultiple layers that include a metal such as aluminum or titanium. Thethird insulating layer 405 includes an organic insulating material.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are plan views that respectively illustrate the firstconductive layer 410 and the second conductive layer 420 of the inputsensing layer 400 according to other embodiments, and FIG. 20C is across-sectional view of the input sensing layer 400 according to anembodiment of FIGS. 20A and 20B and corresponds to a cross-section takenalong line XVII-XVII′ of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, according to an embodiment, the firstconductive layer 410 includes the first sensing electrodes SP1 and thefirst connection electrodes CP1 that connect the first sensingelectrodes SP1, and the second conductive layer 420 includes the secondsensing electrodes SP2 and the second connection electrodes CP2 thatconnect the second sensing electrodes SP2.

Referring to FIG. 20C, according to an embodiment, a second insulatinglayer 403′ is interposed between the first conductive layer 410 and thesecond conductive layer 420. The second insulating layer 403′ does notinclude separate contact holes. The first and second sensing electrodesSP1 and SP2 are electrically insulated from each other with the secondinsulating layer 403′ therebetween. The second conductive layer 420 iscovered by a third insulating layer 405′. The second insulating layer403′ is an organic insulating layer. In other embodiments, the secondinsulating layer 403′ may be an organic insulating layer or an inorganicinsulating layer, or may include both organic and inorganic layers.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according toanother embodiment and corresponds to a cross-section taken along lineVII-VII′ of FIG. 6. The display panel of FIG. 21 differs from a displaypanel described with reference to FIG. 7 in that four or more groovesare formed in the first non-display area NDA1. In this regard, althoughFIG. 21 shows that one fourth groove G4 is located between the secondgroove G2 and the third groove G3, embodiments are not limited thereto,and one or more fourth grooves G4 may be located between the secondgroove G2 and the third groove G3. For example, a stacked structure onthe fourth groove G4 can be the same as that on the second groove G2.

According to an embodiment, the number of grooves and a structurethereof described with reference to FIG. 21 can be incorporated into notonly embodiments described above but also embodiments described belowand embodiments derived therefrom.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to otherembodiments and corresponds to a cross-section taken along line VII-VII′of FIG. 6. Although a display panel described with reference to FIG. 7shows a structure in which the second edge 610E2 of the planarizationlayer 610 is spaced apart from the opening area OA, such as the edge100E of the substrate 100 by a predetermined interval, a location of thesecond edge 610E2 of the planarization layer 610 changes as shown inFIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 22, according to an embodiment, the second edge 610E2of the planarization layer 610 is located on the same vertical line asthe edge 100E of the substrate 100. In other words, a lateral surface ofthe planarization layer 610 is located on the same vertical line as theedge 100E.

According to an embodiment, when a process of patterning thepre-planarization layer 610P described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15is omitted, a lateral surface of the planarization layer 610 is exposedto the opening 10H without being covered by the barrier layer 620 asshown in FIG. 22.

According to an embodiment, since the lateral surface of theplanarization layer 610 is exposed to the opening 10H, moistureintroduced through the planarization layer 610, which is an organicinsulating layer, can propagate in a lateral (x) direction toward thedisplay area DA. However, since the second inorganic encapsulation layer330 is disposed between the planarization layer 610′ and the organicencapsulation layer 320, propagation of moisture toward the display areaDA beyond the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 can be prevented.

The structure of the planarization layer 610 described with reference toFIG. 22 can be incorporated into not only embodiments described abovebut also embodiments described below and embodiments derived therefrom.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to otherembodiments and corresponds to a cross-section taken along line VII-VII′of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 23, according to an embodiment, a partition wall 500Ais further disposed between the first groove G1 and the display area DA.Hereinafter, for ease of description, the partition wall 500 between thefirst groove G1 and the second groove G2 is referred to as a firstpartition wall, and the partition wall 500A between the first groove G1and the display area DA is referred to as a second partition wall 500A.

According to an embodiment, the second partition wall 500A includes anorganic insulating material. For example, the second partition wall 500Aincludes the same material as the pixel-defining layer 211. In anembodiment, the second partition wall 500A overlaps signal lines, suchas data lines DL, that detour around the opening area OA.

According to an embodiment, during a process of manufacturing theorganic encapsulation layer 320, a flow of a monomer is blocked by thesecond partition wall 500A. In this case, an edge of the organicencapsulation layer 320 is adjacent to an inner surface of the secondpartition wall 500A, and the organic encapsulation layer 320 does notcover the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3. The first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 contact each other in thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the structure of the planarization layer 610described with reference to FIG. 23 can be incorporated into not onlyembodiments described above but also embodiments described below andembodiments derived therefrom.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to otherembodiments and corresponds to a cross-section taken along line VII-VII′of FIG. 6. FIG. 24 shows the opening area OA and the first non-displayarea NDA1 around the opening area OA, and the display area DA. Thesubstrate 100 includes the first opening 100H that corresponds to theopening area OA. Hereinafter, the opening area OA may refer to theopening 10H of the display panel or the first opening 100H of thesubstrate 100. Since the structure of the display area DA of FIG. 24 isthe same as that described with reference to FIG. 7, the firstnon-display area NDA1 is mainly described below.

According to an embodiment, referring to FIG. 24, the first non-displayarea NDA1 includes the first sub-non-display area SNDA1, which isrelatively far from the opening area OA, and the second sub-non-displayarea SNDA2, which is relatively close to the opening area OA.

According to an embodiment, the first sub-non-display area SNDA1 is anarea across which signal lines extend. Data lines DL of FIG. 24correspond to the data lines that detour around the opening area OAdescribed with reference to FIG. 5. The data lines DL are alternatelydisposed with an insulating layer therebetween as shown in FIG. 24.However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments,the data lines DL are disposed on the same insulating layer. Whenadjacent/neighboring data lines DL are respectively disposed on andunder with an insulating layer, such as the second interlayer insulatinglayer 207, interposed therebetween, a gap between the adjacent datalines DL can be reduced and a width of the first non-display area NDA1can be reduced. In addition, similar to the data lines DL in the firstsub-non-display area SNDA1 of FIG. 24, the scan lines that detour aroundthe opening area OA described with reference to FIG. 5 can also extendthrough the first sub-non-display area SNDA1.

According to an embodiment, the second sub-non-display area SNDA2 is anarea in which the grooves are arranged. The first to third grooves G1,G2 and G3 are formed in the second sub-non-display area SNDA2. Each ofthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 has an undercut structure. Thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed in a multi-layeredstructure that includes an inorganic layer and an organic layer. Forexample, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed by removinga portion of the substrate 100 that includes a plurality of layers.

According to an embodiment, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 areformed by etching the second base layer 103 of the substrate 100 and thesecond inorganic layer 104 thereon. In this regard, FIG. 24 shows thatthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 are formed by removing aportion of the second base layer 103 and a portion of the secondinorganic layer 104. In an embodiment, the buffer layer 201, the gateinsulating layer 203, and the first and second interlayer insulatinglayers 205 and 207 on the second inorganic layer 104 are removed to forma portion of the first to third grooves G1, G2, and G3.

According to an embodiment, each of the first to third grooves G1, G2and G3 has an undercut structure. Each of the first to third grooves G1,G2 and G3 has an undercut structure in which a width of a portion thatat least partially penetrates the second base layer 103 is greater thana width of a portion that penetrates the inorganic insulating layer(s),such as the second inorganic layer 104 or the buffer layer 201. Portionsof the intermediate layer 222, such as the first and second functionallayers 222 a and 222 c, and the opposite electrode 223 are separated bythe undercut structure of the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310of the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 covers the inner surfaces ofthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3. The organic encapsulationlayer 320 covers and fills the first groove G1 on the first inorganicencapsulation layer 310. The organic encapsulation layer 320 is formedby coating a monomer over the substrate 100 and then hardening themonomer. To control a flow of the monomer and secure a thickness of themonomer, the partition wall 500 is provided between the first groove G1and the second groove G2. The partition wall 500 includes an organicinsulating material, and, for example, has a stacked structure thatincludes the first sub-wall portion 510 and the second sub-wall portion520.

According to an embodiment, the edge 320E of the organic encapsulationlayer 320 is spaced apart from the opening area OA or the edge 100E ofthe substrate 100 by a predetermined interval. In an embodiment, duringa process of forming the organic encapsulation layer 320, a material ofthe organic encapsulation layer 320 is present in the second groove G2.In this regard, FIG. 24 shows that an organic material portion 320M ispresent in the second groove G2.

According to an embodiment, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330is disposed on the organic encapsulation layer 320 and covers innersurfaces of the second and third grooves G2 and G3. The second inorganicencapsulation layer 330 directly contacts the first inorganicencapsulation layer 310 in the second and third grooves G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed on aportion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 that correspondsto the second and third grooves G2 and G3. A lower barrier layer 700 isdisposed under the planarization layer 610.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed inthe second sub-non-display area SNDA2 and covers at least one groove.The planarization layer 610 covers the second and third grooves G2 andG3 and at least partially fills at least one of the second or thirdgrooves G2 or G3. As shown in FIG. 24, interior spaces of the second andthird grooves G2 and G3 over the second inorganic encapsulation layer330 are filled with the planarization layer 610. The planarization layer610 increase a flatness of the display panel around the opening area OAby covering an area of the second sub-non-display area SNDA2 that is notcovered by the organic encapsulation layer 320. Therefore, poorcoupling, separation, or floating of elements such as a reflectionprevention member or a window on the display panel 10 can be preventedwhen the elements are formed on the display panel 10.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 includes anorganic insulating material. The planarization layer 610 includes anegative or positive photoresist. In other embodiments, theplanarization layer 610 includes the same material as the thirdinsulating layer described with reference to FIGS. 18C, 19C, and 20C.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed onthe thin-film encapsulation layer 300. The planarization layer 610 isspatially separated from the organic encapsulation layer 320 by thesecond inorganic encapsulation layer 330. For example, when theplanarization layer 610 is disposed on the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330, and the organic encapsulation layer 320 isdisposed under the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, the organicencapsulation layer 320 is spatially separated from the planarizationlayer 610. The organic encapsulation layer 320 does not directly contactthe planarization layer 610. The planarization layer 610 has a thicknessof at least about 5 μm.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the planarization layer 610overlaps the organic encapsulation layer 320. The first edge 610E1 ofthe planarization layer 610 extends over the organic encapsulation layer320 and overlaps the organic encapsulation layer 320. The second edge610E2 of the planarization layer 610 faces the opening area OA. Thesecond edge 610E2 is located on the same line as the edge 100E of thesubstrate 100.

According to an embodiment, the lower barrier layer 700 covers at leastone groove. In this regard, FIG. 24 shows that the lower barrier layer700 covers the second groove G2. When, during a process of manufacturingthe display panel, a crack occurs in the inorganic layer, such as thefirst and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 formedaround the second groove G2, or the inorganic layer becomes separated,moisture can penetrate through the crack or the separated portion. Toprevent the penetration of moisture, the lower barrier layer 700 coversan area in which a crack can occur on the second inorganic encapsulationlayer 330, such as the second groove and a vicinity thereof.

According to an embodiment, the lower barrier layer 700 includes aninorganic material. For example, the lower barrier layer 700 includes aninorganic insulating layer or a metal layer, and may be a single layeror include multiple layers. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, thelower barrier layer 700 includes a plurality of sub-layers, includingfirst to fourth lower layers 701, 702, 703 and 704. The lower barrierlayer 700 may include at least one of layers included in the inputsensing layer 400 described above with reference to FIGS. 18A to 20C.

For example, according to an embodiment, the first to fourth lowerlayers 701, 702, 703 and 704 respectively include the same materials asthe first insulating layer 401, the first conductive layer 410, thesecond insulating layer 403, and the second conductive layer 420. Thefirst and third lower layers 701 and 703 are inorganic insulating layersthat include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride,and the second and fourth lower layers 702 and 704 are metal layers thatinclude Al, Ti, etc. In an embodiment, the second and fourth lowerlayers 702 and 704 have multiple layers of Ti/Al/Ti.

According to an embodiment, when the lower barrier layer 700 includesthe same material as an inorganic material layer of the input sensinglayer 400, the lower barrier layer 700 is formed during the same processas that which forms the inorganic material layer of the input sensinglayer 400. Similarly, the planarization layer 610 includes the samematerial as an inorganic material layer of the input sensing layer 400and may be formed during the same process as that which forms theinorganic material layer of the input sensing layer 400.

According to an embodiment, although FIG. 24 shows that an edge of thelower barrier layer 700 is spaced apart from the input sensing layer 400by a predetermined interval, and the edge of the planarization layer 610is spaced apart from the input sensing layer 400 by anotherpredetermined interval, embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited thereto. The first and third lower layers 701 and 703 of thelower barrier layer 700 can be respectively connected with the first andsecond insulating layers 401 and 403 of the input sensing layer 400 asone body. As shown in FIG. 24, the second and fourth lower layers 702and 704 of the lower barrier layer 700 are spaced apart from the firstand second conductive layers 410 and 420 of the input sensing layer 400.The planarization layer 610 can be connected with the third insulatinglayer 405 of the input sensing layer 400 as one body.

According to an embodiment, although FIG. 24 shows that the lowerbarrier layer 700 includes four layers, embodiments are not limitedthereto, and the lower barrier layer 700 may be a single layer orinclude two, three, five or more layers in other embodiments.

FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 29, and 31 are cross-sectional views of the openingarea OA and the first non-display area NDA1 according to a process ofmanufacturing a display panel in an embodiment. FIG. 28 is an enlargedview of a portion XXVII of FIG. 27, and FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of aportion XXX of FIG. 29. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view in which thefirst to third grooves of the display panel are formed, FIG. 26 is across-sectional view in which the first to third grooves of the displaypanel are formed according to another embodiment, FIG. 27 is across-sectional view in which the intermediate layer to the lowerbarrier layer are formed on the display panel of FIG. 25, FIG. 29 is across-sectional view in which the planarization layer is formed, andFIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a state after a cutting or scribingprocess.

Referring to FIG. 25, according to an embodiment, the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2, and G3 are formed by removing a portion of amulti-layered film. The multi-layered film includes at least one apartial layer of the substrate 100. The multi-layered film has a stackedstructure that includes an organic insulating material such as a polymerresin and a layer that includes an inorganic insulating materialdisposed thereon. For example, the multi-layered film includes thesecond base layer 103 that includes a polymer resin, and inorganicinsulating layer(s) such as the second inorganic layer 104 or the bufferlayer 201 on the second base layer 103. Although the second inorganiclayer 104 and the buffer layer 201 are respectively referred to bydifferent names, such as the inorganic insulating layers between thesecond base layer 103 and the thin film transistor TFT in FIG. 25, thesecond inorganic layer 104 may be considered to be a sub-layer of thebuffer layer 201, which has a multi-layered structure, or the bufferlayer 201 may be considered to be a sub-layer of the second inorganiclayer 104, which has a multi-layered structure, depending on anembodiment.

According to an embodiment, the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 areformed by removing a portion of the second base layer 103 and a portionof the inorganic insulating layer(s) thereon. FIG. 25 shows thatportions of the second base layer 103 and the second inorganic layer 104are removed through an etching process. Portions of the buffer layer201, the gate insulating layer 203, and the first and second interlayerinsulating layers 205 and 207 are also removed through an etchingprocess. An etching process that removes a portion of the second baselayer 103, and an etching process that removes the inorganic insulatinglayer(s) on the second base layer 103 are performed separately. Thepartition wall 500 is disposed between the first groove G1 and thesecond groove G2 and includes the first sub-wall portion 510, whichincludes the same material as the organic insulating layer 209, and thesecond sub-wall portion 520, which includes the same material as thepixel-defining layer 211.

According to an embodiment, a width W1 of a portion of the first grooveG1 that at least partially penetrates the second base layer 103 in athickness direction is greater than a width W2 of a portion of the firstgroove G1 that penetrates the buffer layer 201 or the second inorganiclayer 104. Therefore, the first groove G1 has an undercut structure. Alateral surface of the buffer layer 201 or the second inorganic layer104 protrudes further toward a center of the first groove G 1 than alateral surface of the second base layer 103. The portions of the bufferlayer 201 or the second inorganic layer 104 that protrude further towardthe center of the first groove G1 in a direction parallel to the topsurface of the substrate 100 correspond to a pair of protruded tips PT.

According to an embodiment, like the first groove G1, the second andthird grooves G2 and G3 have an undercut/eave structure. Widths W1′ andW1″ of portions of the second and third grooves G2 and G3 that penetrateinto the second base layer 103 are greater than widths W2′ and W2″ ofportions of the second and third grooves G2 and G3 that penetrate thebuffer layer 201 or the second inorganic layer 104. Likewise, lateralsurfaces of the buffer layer 201 or the second inorganic layer 104 thatdelimit the second and third grooves G2 and G3 protrude further toward acenter of the first groove G1 than a lateral surface of the second baselayer 103 and form protruded tips thereof. The protruded tips PT of thebuffer layer 201 or the second inorganic layer 104 protrude toward thecenter of each of the first to third grooves G1, G2, and G3 by about 0.7μm to 1.5 μm.

According to an embodiment, FIG. 25 shows that each of the first tothird grooves G1, G2, and G3 includes a portion that penetrates theinorganic insulating layer, such as the portion formed in the bufferlayer 201 and the second inorganic layer 104, and a recess formed in thesecond base layer 103. The depths h1, h2 and h3 of each of recessesformed in the second base layer 103 are less than a thickness t of thesecond base layer 103. Bottom surfaces of the first to third grooves G1,G2 and G3 form a virtual surface between a top surface and a bottomsurface of the second base layer 103.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26, each of the first to thirdgrooves G1, G2 and G3 includes a portion that penetrates the inorganicinsulating layer, such as a hole formed in the buffer layer 201 and thesecond inorganic layer 104, and a portion that penetrates the secondbase layer 103. The depths h1′, h2′ and h3′ of each of holes formed inthe second base layer 103 are substantially equal to the thickness t ofthe second base layer 103, and thus the bottom surfaces of the first tothird grooves G1, G2 and G3 are coplanar to the bottom surface of thesecond base layer 103. Depths h1, h2, h3, h1′, h2′, and h3′ of therecess or hole are at least about 2 μm.

Hereinafter, the structure of FIG. 25 in which the bottom surfaces ofthe first to third grooves G1, G2, and G3 form a virtual surface betweenthe top surface and the bottom surface of the second base layer 103 ismainly described for convenience of description, it is to be understoodthat the second base layer 103 can have the structure described withreference to FIG. 26 in embodiments described below and embodimentsderived therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 27, according to an embodiment, the intermediate layer222 and the opposite electrode 223 are formed over the substrate 100 andthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3. The intermediate layer 222 andthe opposite electrode 223 can be formed by thermal deposition, etc.

According to an embodiment, portions of the intermediate layer 222, suchas the first and second functional layers 222 a and 222 c, and theopposite electrode 223, are respectively formed as one body in thedisplay area DA and the first non-display area NDA1. As shown in FIG.28, the first and second functional layers 222 a and 222 c are separatedin the first non-display area NDA1 by the undercut structure of thesecond groove G2. The first and second functional layers 222 a and 222 care separated and the opposite electrode 223 is also separated by thepair of protruded tips PT that define the undercut structure of thesecond groove G2. Because of the undercut structures of the first andsecond grooves G1 and G2 as shown in FIG. 27, the first or/and secondfunctional layers 222 a or/and 222 c, and the opposite electrode 223 areseparated.

A layer over the substrate 100 that includes an organic material canserve as a moisture transmission path for foreign substances such asmoisture or oxygen. Since the first and second functional layers 222 aand 222 c, which include an organic material, are separated by the firstto third grooves G1, G2 and G3, propagation of moisture in a lateral (x)direction can be prevented and damage of an organic light-emitting diodemay be prevented.

According to an embodiment, unlike the intermediate layer 222 and theopposite electrode 223, since the first inorganic encapsulation layer310 of the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 has better step coveragethan the first or second functional layers 222 a or 222 c, and theopposite electrode 223, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 canbe continuously formed. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310entirely and continuously covers the inner surfaces of the first tothird grooves G1, G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 isformed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310. The first grooveG1 is covered by the organic encapsulation layer 320, and an interiorspace of the first groove G1 over the first inorganic encapsulationlayer 310 is at least partially filled with the organic encapsulationlayer 320. During a process of manufacturing the organic encapsulationlayer 320, a flow of a monomer is controlled by the partition wall 500between the first groove G1 and the second groove G2. The organicencapsulation layer 320 formed when the monomer hardens, and the flow ofthe monomer is blocked by the partition wall 500 so that the monomerdoes not flow beyond the partition wall 500.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, during the process ofmanufacturing the organic encapsulation layer 320, a portion of theorganic material portion 320M is disposed in the second groove G2. Forexample, during a process of coating a monomer, a portion of the monomermay fall into the second groove G2 and harden to form the organicmaterial portion 320M. In another embodiment, a process of hardening themonomer and a process of ashing are performed. In this case, the organicmaterial portion 320M that is not removed by the ashing process remainsin the second groove G2. The organic material portion 320M remains underthe protruded tip structure of the second groove G2. The organicmaterial portion 320M includes the same material as the organicencapsulation layer 320. The organic material portion 320M is separatedfrom the organic encapsulation layer 320.

According to an embodiment, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330is formed on the organic encapsulation layer 320. In the first grooveG1, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 does not directlycontact the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 due to the organicencapsulation layer 320. In contrast, in the second and third grooves G2and G3, the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330contact each other. As shown in FIG. 27, the first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330 are formed in not only the firstnon-display area NDA1 but also the opening area OA.

Next, according to an embodiment, the lower barrier layer 700 is formedon the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330. The lower barrier layer700 covers a portion of the first non-display area NDA1, such as thesecond groove G2. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the lowerbarrier layer 700 includes a plurality of layers that include the firstto fourth lower layers 701, 702, 703, and 704. A depth h2 in a vertical(z) direction, i.e. a direction perpendicular to the top surface of thesubstrate 100, of the second groove G2 under the protruded tips PT isgreater than a sum of the thicknesses of the first and second functionallayers 222 a and 222 c, the opposite electrode 223, the first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330, and the lower barrier layer700.

According to an embodiment, the first to fourth lower layers 701, 702,703, and 704 are sequentially formed on the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330. Since an interior space of the second groove G2under the protruded tips PT is at least partially filled with theorganic material portion 320M, the layers of the lower barrier layer 700are continuously formed around the protruded tips PT without beingdisconnected.

Referring to FIG. 29, according to an embodiment, the planarizationlayer 610 is formed on the lower barrier layer 700. The planarizationlayer 610 includes the same material as the organic material of at leastone of the layers included in the input sensing layer 400 described withreference to FIGS. 18A to 20C. Alternatively, the planarization layer610 may include a negative or positive photoresist, or include the samematerial as the organic encapsulation layer 320 of the thin-filmencapsulation layer 300.

Referring to FIG. 30, according to an embodiment, the planarizationlayer 610 at least partially fills the second groove G2. For example,the planarization layer 610 at least partially fills an interior spaceof the second groove G2 over the lower barrier layer 700.

Next, According to an embodiment, when a laser cutting or scribingprocess is performed along the first line SCL1 that corresponds to theopening area OA, the opening 10H of the display panel is formed as shownin FIG. 31. The first opening 100H is formed in the substrate 100through a cutting or scribing process. When a crack forms in theinorganic insulating layer during a process of cutting or scribing thesubstrate 100, the crack can propagate in the lateral (x) direction, butthe crack stops near the protruded tips of the third groove G3 or thesecond groove G2. Therefore, the crack does not propagate toward thedisplay area.

Although a laser cutting or scribing process has been described as amethod that forms the first opening 100H in the substrate 100 in anabove embodiment, various other methods such as mechanical polishing,etc., can be used in other embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of the lower barrier layer 700 in a display panelaccording to an embodiment. In FIG. 32, the first groove G1 is omitted,for convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 32, according to an embodiment, the lower barrierlayer 700 has a ring shape that surrounds the opening area OA. The lowerbarrier layer 700 covers the second groove G2 and has a width greaterthan a width of the second groove G2.

According to an embodiment, a cross-sectional structure of the firstnon-display area NDA1 shown in FIG. 32 is the same as a structuredescribed with reference to FIGS. 24 to 31. That is, a structuredescribed with reference to FIGS. 24 to 31 surrounds the opening 10H,that is, the opening area OA as shown in FIG. 32. For example, the lowerbarrier layer 700 between the opening area OA and the display area DAhas a ring shape that surrounds the opening area OA in a plan view asshown in FIG. 32. In an embodiment, the planarization layer 610described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 31 also has a ring shape thatsurrounds the opening area OA in a plan view. In addition, the partitionwall 500 has a ring shape that surrounds the opening area OA in a planview.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of the lower barrier layer 700 in a display panelaccording to an embodiment. Like FIG. 32, FIG. 33 omits the first grooveG1 for convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 33, according to an embodiment, the lower barrierlayer 700 has a ring shape that surrounds the opening area OA and coversa partial area of the second groove G2 in a plan view. For example, awidth of the lower barrier layer 700 is less than a width of the secondgroove G2. The lower barrier layer 700 covers one side of the secondgroove G2, such as one of the pair of protruded tips that extend intothe second groove G2 as described with reference to FIG. 28, such as theright protruded tip PT, shown in FIG. 31.

According to an embodiment, although FIGS. 32 and 33 show that the lowerbarrier layer 700 has a closed curved shape in a plan view, embodimentsof the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In other embodiments,the lower barrier layer 700 has an open curved shape in a plan view.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of the lower barrier layer 700 in a display panelaccording to an embodiment. Like FIG. 32, FIG. 34 omits the first grooveG1 for convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 34, according to an embodiment, the lower barrierlayer 700′ has an open curved shape in the first non-display area NDA1.A first end portion 710 and a second end portion 720 of the lowerbarrier layer 700′ are spaced from each other. In addition, the lowerbarrier layer 700′ of FIG. 34 has a stacked structure that includes aplurality of layers as described with reference to FIG. 24.

According to an embodiment, at least one of layers of the lower barrierlayer 700′ includes a conductive material. For example, a second lowerlayer or a fourth lower layer in the lower barrier layer 700′ can beused as a wiring. For example, a predetermined signal transmitted to thefirst end portion 710 can be received from the second end portion 720 byway of the conductive material layer. When a portion of the lowerbarrier layer 700′ is cracked, a signal might not be received from thesecond end portion 720. As described above, the lower barrier layer 700′can be used for determining the occurrence of cracks that can occurduring a process of manufacturing a display panel or after a displaypanel is manufactured.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the lower barrier layer 700′,such as a portion between the first end portion 710 and the second endportion 720, has a shape of a square-wave wrapped around a circle asshown in FIG. 34. A first portion of the lower barrier layer 700′extends along an edge of the second groove G2 to surround a portion ofthe second groove G2, and a second portion of the lower barrier layer700′ extends over the second groove toward the center of the openingarea OA by a predetermined interval. The first portion and the secondportion are repeatedly arranged and have a square-wave shape in planview.

Although an above embodiment has been described as having the lowerbarrier layer 700 located in the first non-display area NDA1 to coverthe second groove G2, embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited thereto. In other embodiments, the lower barrier layer 700covers the second and third grooves G2 and G3.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the first non-display area NDA1 ofa display panel according to other embodiments and FIG. 36 is anenlarged view of a portion XXXVI of FIG. 35.

Referring to FIG. 35, according to an embodiment, since the lowerbarrier layer 700 cover the second and third grooves G2 and G3 in thefirst non-display area NDA1, and except for this structure, the otherstructures and characteristics are the same as those described above,differences are mainly described below.

According to an embodiment, referring to the first non-display area NDA1of FIG. 35, the second and third grooves G2 and G3 are covered by thelower barrier layer 700. One edge 700E of the lower barrier layer 700 islocated on the same vertical line as the edge 100E of the substrate 100.The stacked structure of the lower barrier layer 700 on the secondgroove G2 is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 28 and30.

According to an embodiment, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 and the lower barrier layer 700 are sequentiallyformed on the third groove G3. The second inorganic encapsulation layer330 directly contacts a top surface of the first inorganic encapsulationlayer 310, and the lower barrier layer 700 directly contacts a topsurface of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.

Referring to FIG. 36, according to an embodiment, a depth h3 of aportion of the third groove G3 that penetrates into the second baselayer 103 is greater than a sum of the thicknesses in a vertical (z)direction, the direction perpendicular to the top surface of thesubstrate 100, of the first and second functional layers 222 a and 222c, the opposite electrode 223, the first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330, and the lower barrier layer 700. Thefirst and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 and thefirst and third lower layers 701 and 703 can be formed by CVD, etc., andthe second and fourth lower layers 702 and 704 can be formed by aprocess such as sputtering.

According to an embodiment, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 and the first and third lower layers 701 and 703entirely cover an inner surface of the third groove G3. In contrast, thesecond and fourth lower layers 702 and 704 have a poorer lower stepcoverage than the inorganic insulating layer, depending on processconditions. In this case, as shown in FIG. 36, the second and fourthlower layers 702 and 704 are either discontinuous or very thin aroundthe protruded tips.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of a portion of a display panel according toother embodiments, and FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken alongline XXXVIII-XXXVIII′ of FIG. 37. The first to third grooves G1, G2, andG3 that surround the opening area OA are located in the firstnon-display area NDA1 of FIG. 38, and since a specific configurationthereof is the same as that described above and a structure of thedisplay area DA is the same, differences are mainly described below.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, according to an embodiment, at least oneouter groove is provided in the second non-display area NDA2. In thisregard, FIGS. 37 and 38 show first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2.The first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2 in the second non-displayarea NDA2 at least partially surround the display area DA.

Referring to the second non-display area NDA2 of FIG. 38, according toan embodiment, insulating layer(s) formed over the substrate 100 thatinclude an organic material include a valley hole. For example, theorganic insulating layer 209 and the pixel-defining layer 211respectively include a first valley hole 209VH and a second valley hole211VH. In an embodiment, an insulating layer below the organicinsulating layer 209 that includes an inorganic material also includes avalley hole as shown in FIG. 38. As described above, the organicmaterial can serve as a moisture transmission path, and since thedisplay panel has a valley structure that includes the first valley hole209VH and the second valley hole 211VH, moisture that penetrates in a(x) direction parallel to the top surface of the substrate 100 cannotmove toward the display area DA.

According to an embodiment, a partition wall 1500 is disposed in thesecond non-display area NDA2, and is located in an inner side of thefirst outer groove OG1, that is, is closer to the display area DA thanthe first outer groove OG1. The partition wall 1500 surrounds thedisplay area DA. The organic encapsulation layer 320 does not extendtoward the first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2 due to thepartition wall 1500. Alternatively, an organic material 1320M remains inthe first outer groove OG1 after a process of forming the organicencapsulation layer 320, but the organic material 1320M of the firstouter groove OG1 is separated from an edge of the organic encapsulationlayer 320 with the partition wall 1500 therebetween.

According to an embodiment, each of the first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330 extends to an outer edge 100OE of thesubstrate 100 and covers the second non-display area NDA2. The first andsecond inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 contact each other onthe first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2.

According to an embodiment, a barrier layer 1700 is disposed on thesecond inorganic encapsulation layer 330. The barrier layer 1700 isformed during a same process as that which forms the lower barrier layer700 described above and has the same stacked structure.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer 1700 covers at least oneouter groove, such as the first outer groove OG1, and since the stackedstructure around the first outer groove OG1 is substantially the same asthat described with reference to FIG. 38, a repeated description isomitted. In other embodiments, since the barrier layer 1700 can coverboth the first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2, an edge of thebarrier layer 1700 is located on the same line as the outer edge 100OEof the substrate 100.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to otherembodiments and corresponds to a cross-section taken along line VII-VII′of FIG. 6. In a display panel described with reference to FIG. 7, theplanarization layer 610 is disposed directly on the thin-filmencapsulation layer 300 in the first non-display area NDA1. Therefore,the planarization layer 610 of FIG. 7 directly contacts a top surface ofthe second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 in the first non-displayarea NDA1. However, in a display panel of FIG. 39, the lower barrierlayer 700 is further disposed between the thin-film encapsulation layer300 and the planarization layer 610, and thus the thin-filmencapsulation layer 300 does not directly contact the planarizationlayer 610.

According to an embodiment, the lower barrier layer 700 includes aninorganic material. For example, the lower barrier layer 700 includes aninorganic insulating layer or a metal layer. In en embodiment, the lowerbarrier layer 700 includes some of the layers included in the inputsensing layer 400.

Referring to an enlarged view of FIG. 39, according to an embodiment,the lower barrier layer 700 includes the plurality of layers thatinclude the first to fourth lower layers 701, 702, 703, and 704. Thelower barrier layer 700 includes at least one of the layers included inthe input sensing layer 400 described with reference to FIGS. 18A to20C. For example, the first and third lower layers 701 and 703respectively include the same materials as those of the first insulatinglayer 401 and the second insulating layer 403 of the input sensing layer400. The first insulating layer 401 and the second insulating layer 403include inorganic insulating materials as described with reference toFIG. 18C or 19C. The second and fourth lower layers 702 and 704respectively include the same materials as those of the first conductivelayer 410 and the second conductive layer 420 of the input sensing layer400. The planarization layer 610 on the lower barrier layer 700 includethe same material as that of the third insulating layer 405 of the inputsensing layer 400. The third insulating layer 405 includes an organicinsulating material as described with reference to FIG. 18C or 19C. Thelower barrier layer 700 and the planarization layer 610 are formedduring a same process as a process of forming the input sensing layer400.

According to an embodiment, although FIG. 39 shows that ends of theplanarization layer 610 and the lower barrier layer 700 are spaced apartfrom the input sensing layer 400 by a predetermined interval,embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherembodiment, the first and third lower layers 701 and 703 of the lowerbarrier layer 700 are respectively connected, as one body, with thefirst insulating layer 401 and the second insulating layer 403 of theinput sensing layer 400. The second and fourth lower layers 702 and 704of the lower barrier layer 700 are respectively spaced apart from thefirst conductive layer 410 and the second conductive layer 420 of theinput sensing layer 400 as shown in FIG. 39. The planarization layer 610is connected, as one body, with the third insulating layer 405 of theinput sensing layer 400.

According to an embodiment, the multi-layered structure of the lowerbarrier layer 700 can be incorporated into embodiment(s) described belowand embodiments derived therefrom. Although FIG. 39 illustrates thelower barrier layer 700 as including four layers, embodiments are notlimited thereto, and the lower barrier layer 700 may include one layer,two layers, three layers, or five or more layers in other embodiments.In other embodiments, when the lower barrier layer 700 includes threelayers, the lower barrier layer 700 may include the same materials asthose of the first conductive layer 410, the second insulating layer403′, or the second conductive layer 420 of the input sensing layer 400described with reference to FIG. 20C. The planarization layer 610 on thelower barrier layer 700 includes the same material as the thirdinsulating layer 405′ of FIG. 20C.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a structure of the lowerbarrier layer 700 in the second groove G2 of the display deviceaccording to an embodiment and corresponds to an enlarged view of thesecond groove G2 of FIG. 39. FIG. 40 illustrates, for convenience ofdescription, a case when the lower barrier layer 700 includes the firstto fourth lower layers 701, 702, 703, and 704.

Referring to FIG. 40, according to an embodiment, a depth of a portionof the second groove G2 that penetrates into the second base layer 103may be greater than a sum of the thicknesses in a vertical (z)direction, i.e. the direction perpendicular to the top surface of thesubstrate 100, of the first and second functional layers 222 a and 222c, the opposite electrode 223, the first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330, and the lower barrier layer 700.

According to an embodiment, the lower barrier layer 700 has a stackedstructure that includes an inorganic insulating layer and a metal layer.For example, the first and third lower layers 701 and 703 are inorganicinsulating layers that include silicon nitride, and the second andfourth lower layers 702 and 704 are metallic layers that include Al andTi. In an embodiment, the second and fourth lower layers 702 and 704have a multi-layered structure that includes Ti/Al/Ti. The secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330 and the first inorganic encapsulationlayer 310 are disposed under the lower barrier layer 700.

According to an embodiment, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 and the first and third lower layers 701 and 703 canbe formed by a process such as CVD, etc., and the second and fourthlower layers 702 and 704 can be formed by a process such as sputtering,etc.

Referring to FIG. 40, according to an embodiment, the first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 and the first and third lowerlayers 701 and 703 entirely and continuously cover an inner surface ofthe second groove G2. In contrast, the second and fourth lower layers702 and 704 have a poorer step coverage than the inorganic insulatinglayer, depending on process conditions. In this case, as shown in FIG.40, the second and fourth lower layers 702 and 704 may be thin ordiscontinuous around the protruded tips PT of the second groove G2.

According to an embodiment, although FIG. 40 illustrates a specificstructure of the lower barrier layer 700 with reference to the secondgroove G2, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto. A structure of the lower barrier layer 700 in the third grooveG3 may be similar to the structure shown in FIG. 40. The structure shownin FIG. 40 can be incorporated into not only an embodiment describedwith reference to FIG. 39, but also embodiments described with referenceto FIGS. 41 to 43 and embodiments derived therefrom.

FIGS. 41 to 43 are cross-sectional views of a display panel according toother embodiments and correspond to a cross-section taken along lineVII-VII′ of FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 41, according to an embodiment, a display panel furtherincludes at least one fourth groove G4 in the first non-display areaNDA1, and the lower barrier layer 700 directly contacts the secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330 in the second to fourth grooves G2, G3and G4.

As shown in FIG. 42, according to an embodiment, the display panelincludes the planarization layer 610 that has a lateral surface locatedon the same vertical line as the edge 100E of the substrate 100. In thiscase, moisture, etc., can be introduced through the planarization layer610, but since moisture that has propagated in the lateral directionthrough the planarization layer 610 is blocked by a multi-layeredstructure that includes the lower barrier layer 700 and the secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330, the moisture does not permeate intothe organic encapsulation layer 320. Therefore, damage to the displayarea DA due to moisture, etc., can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 43, according to an embodiment, the display panelfurther includes a second partition wall 500A, and the lower barrierlayer 700 directly contacts the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330in the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3.

Although FIGS. 39 to 43 show a structure in which a top surface of theplanarization layer 610 is covered by the barrier layer 620, the barrierlayer 620 may be omitted in other embodiments.

Although FIGS. 39 to 43 show a structure in which the lower barrierlayer 700 is disposed in the second sub-non-display area SNDA2, in otherembodiments, the lower barrier layer 700 extends into the firstsub-non-display area SNDA1 and the display area DA in an embodiment. Forexample, as described above, when the lower barrier layer 700 includesthe first lower layer 701 and/or the third lower layer 703, which areinorganic insulating layers, these layers may extend into the firstsub-non-display area SNDA1 and the display area DA.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the opening area OA and the firstnon-display area SNDA1 of a display panel according to otherembodiments. Although FIG. 44 shows a portion of the first non-displayarea NDA1, such as the second sub-non-display area SNDA2, forconvenience of description, a display panel of FIG. 44 also includes thefirst sub-non-display area SNDA1 and the display area DA, and astructure thereof is the same as that described with reference to FIG.7.

Referring to FIG. 44, according to an embodiment, a plurality ofgrooves, such as the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3, are formed inthe second sub-non-display area SNDA2. A partition wall is disposedbetween adjacent grooves. In this regard, FIG. 44 shows the firstpartition wall 500 between the first and second grooves G1 and G2, and apartition wall 500B, hereinafter referred to as a third partition wall,between the second and third grooves G2 and G3.

According to an embodiment, the first and third partition walls 500 and500B respectively include a first sub-wall portion 510 and a firstsub-wall portion 510B, and respectively include a second sub-wallportion 520 and a second sub-wall portion 520B. Each of the firstsub-wall portions 510 and 510B covers a stacked body ST that includespatterned inorganic insulating layer(s) thereunder, such as the gateinsulating layer 203, and the first and second interlayer insulatinglayers 205 and 207. More specifically, a lateral surface of the stackedbody ST is covered by the first sub-wall portions 510 and 510B, and eachof the first sub-wall portions 510 and 510B contacts a top surface ofthe buffer layer 201 under the stacked body ST.

According to an embodiment, some of the intermediate layers 222, such asthe first or second functional layers 222 a and 222 c, and the oppositeelectrode 223 are separated by the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3as described above, and the inner surfaces of the first to third groovesG1, G2 and G3 are covered by the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310as described above.

According to an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 coverthe first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3. For example, the organicmaterial layer 320A covers the first and second grooves G1 and G2. Asecond portion 320B of the organic encapsulation layer 320 covers thethird groove G3. The organic material layer 320A that covers the firstand second grooves G1 and G2 extends to the display area DA and thefirst sub-non-display area SNDA1 and covers the display area DA and thefirst sub-non-display area SNDA1. The second portion 320B of the organicencapsulation layer 320 alleviates stress and can prevent floating orexfoliation of layers, such as layers that including an inorganicmaterial, in a relevant area.

According to an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 isseparated in the second sub-non-display area SNDA2. For example, thefirst portion 320A and the second portion 320B of the organicencapsulation layer 320 are spaced apart from each other with the thirdpartition wall 500B therebetween, and a space between the first portion320A the second portion 320B spaced apart from each other can beconsidered to be a hole 320H of the organic encapsulation layer 320. Thehole 320H is located between the second and third grooves G2 and G3 asshown in FIG. 44. The second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 on theorganic encapsulation layer 320 directly contacts the first inorganicencapsulation layer 310 through the hole 320H.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed onthe second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 and covers at least one ofthe plurality of grooves. In an embodiment, the planarization layer 610overlaps the first and second grooves G1 and G2 and a portion the thirdgroove G3, and cover the first and second grooves G1 and G2 and theportion of the third groove G3 as shown in FIG. 44.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 includes a hole610-h. The hole 610-h in the planarization layer 610 overlaps the thirdgroove G3. The hole 610-h in the planarization layer 610 has a widththat is less than a width W2″ of the third groove G3. However,embodiments are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the hole610-h of the planarization layer 610 may have a width equal to the widthW2″ of the third groove G3, or may have a width greater than the widthW2″ of the third groove G3. The hole 610-h of the planarization layer610 is closer to the opening area OA than the hole 320H of the organicencapsulation layer 320. However, embodiments are not limited thereto,and in other embodiments, the hole 610-h of the planarization layer 610may be further away from the opening area OA than the hole 320H of theorganic encapsulation layer 320. Although FIG. 44 shows that the hole610-h of the planarization layer 610 is spaced apart from the hole 320Hof the organic encapsulation layer 320 by a predetermined interval,embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In otherembodiments, the hole 610-h of the planarization layer 610 at leastpartially overlaps the hole 320H of the organic encapsulation layer 320.

According to an embodiment, the barrier layer 620 is disposed on theplanarization layer 610 and directly contacts the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330 through the hole 610-h in the planarizationlayer 610. The barrier layer 620 includes an inorganic material and mayhave a single layer or a multi-layered structure and a descriptionthereof is the same as that of the embodiment described with referenceto FIG. 7. An additional planarization layer 630 is further disposed onthe barrier layer 620. The additional planarization layer 630 includesan organic material. For example, when the barrier layer 620 includes aninorganic insulating layer or a metallic layer, such as at least one ofthe first insulating layer, the first conductive layer, the secondinsulating layer, or the second conductive layer, formed on the inputsensing layer as described with reference to FIG. 7, the additionalplanarization layer 630 includes the same material as the thirdinsulating layer of the input sensing layer 400. In this case, theadditional planarization layer 630 is connected, as one body, with thethird insulating layer of the input sensing layer. That is, theadditional planarization layer 630 is the third insulating layer of theinput sensing layer 400.

According to an embodiment, the structure shown in FIG. 44 surrounds theopening 10H, that is, the opening area OA. For example, theplanarization layer 610 has a ring shape that surrounds the opening areaOA in a plan view. In addition, the second portion 320B of the organicencapsulation layer 320 that covers the third groove G3 has a ring shapethat surrounds the opening area OA in a plan view. Likewise, the holes320H and 610-h in the organic encapsulation layer 320 and theplanarization layer 610, respectively, have ring shapes that surroundthe opening area OA in a plan view.

According to an embodiment, the hole 320H in the organic encapsulationlayer 320 is an area in which the organic encapsulation layer 320 is notprovided over the substrate 100. Therefore, in embodiments describedwith reference to FIGS. 7 to 43, an area between the edge 100E of thesubstrate 100 and the edge 320E in the organic encapsulation layer 320may be considered to be the hole 320H described with reference to FIG.44. Likewise, the hole 610-h in the planarization layer 610 is an areain which the planarization layer 610 is not provided over the substrate100. Therefore, in the cross-sectional views described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 43, except for FIGS. 22, 24, 31, 35, and 42, an area betweenthe edge 100E of the substrate 100 and the second edge 610E2 of theplanarization layer 610 may be considered to be the hole 610-h in theplanarization layer 610.

According to an embodiment, FIG. 44 corresponds to a cross-section of adisplay panel in which a cutting or scribing process has been performedalong the first line SCL1. However, embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 44, during a process of manufacturing a display panel, an areaextending from the first line SCL1 to an n-th line SCLn is a cuttingarea CA. That is, a cutting or scribing process is performed along oneof the first line SCL1 to the n-th line SCLn, and a cross-sectionalstructure corresponding thereto corresponds to a structure of thedisplay panel according to embodiment(s).

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the opening area OA and the firstnon-display area NDA1 of a display panel according to other embodiments,and FIGS. 46A and 46B are enlarged views of the third groove G3 of FIG.45.

According to an embodiment, the display panel of FIG. 45 differs fromthe display panel described with reference to FIG. 44 in the secondportion 320B of the organic encapsulation layer 320 over the thirdgroove G3. As shown in FIG. 45, the second portion 320B of the organicencapsulation layer 320 is disposed over the third groove G3 and coversa portion of the third groove G3. The second portion 320B of the organicencapsulation layer 320 is separated around a protruded tip of the thirdgroove G3, such as a left protruded tip in FIG. 45. For example, thesecond portion 320B of the organic encapsulation layer 320 includes afirst-second portion 320B1 disposed in an upper portion of the thirdgroove G3 and a second-second portion 320B2 disposed inside the thirdgroove G3 under the protruded tip of the third groove G3.

Referring to FIG. 46A, according to an embodiment, the second-secondportion 320B2 is located inside the third groove G3 and covers theintermediate layer 222, i.e., the first and second functional layers 222a and 222 c, and the opposite electrode 223 disposed on a bottom surfaceof the third groove G3. However, in other embodiments, referring to FIG.46B, the second-second portion 320B2 is disposed inside the third grooveG3 and under the pair of protruded tips PT. A thickness of a portion ofthe second-second portion 320B2 at a central portion of the third grooveG3 is very thin or non-existent.

According to an embodiment, FIG. 45 corresponds to a cross-section of adisplay panel on which a cutting or scribing process has been performedalong the first line SCL1. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 45, anarea extending from the first line SCL1 to the n-th line SCLn is acutting area CA during a process of manufacturing a display panel.Therefore, a cross-sectional structure on which a cutting or scribingprocess has been performed along one of the first line SCL1 to the n-thline SCLn corresponds to a structure of a display panel according toembodiment(s).

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the opening area OA and the firstnon-display area NDA1 of the display panel according to otherembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 47, according to an embodiment, the organicencapsulation layer 320 over the first to third grooves G1, G2 and G3 isthe same as that described with reference to FIGS. 45 to 46B. Unlike adisplay panel of FIGS. 44 and 45, the planarization layer 610 of adisplay panel of FIG. 47 does not include the hole 610-h. For example,the planarization layer 610 of FIG. 47 entirely covers the secondsub-non-display area SNDA2. The barrier layer 620 does not directlycontact the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.

According to an embodiment, FIG. 47 corresponds to a cross-section of adisplay panel on which a cutting or scribing process has been performedalong the first line SCL1. In other embodiments, a cross-sectionalstructure on which a cutting or scribing process has been performedalong one of the first line SCL1 to the n-th line SCLn in the cuttingarea CA also corresponds to the structure of a display panel accordingto embodiment(s).

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the opening area OA and the firstnon-display area NDA1 of a display panel according to other embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 48, according to an embodiment, a plurality of thirdgrooves G3′ are formed between the opening area OA and the second grooveG2. Each of the third grooves G3′ has a width that is substantially thesame as or less than that of the first groove G1 or the second grooveG2.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed overthe second and third grooves G2 and G3′, and an interior space of thesecond and third grooves G2 and G3′ over the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330 is filled with the planarization layer 610. Anarrangement of the plurality of third grooves G3′ shown in FIG. 48 canbe incorporated into embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to47 and embodiments derived therefrom.

According to an embodiment, FIG. 48 corresponds to a cross-section of adisplay panel on which a cutting or scribing process has been performedalong the first line SCL1. In other embodiments, a cutting or scribingprocess can be performed along one of the first line SCL1 to the n-thline SCLn in the cutting area CA, and a cross-sectional structure thatcorresponds thereto corresponds to a structure of a display panelaccording to embodiment(s).

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the number ofthird grooves G3′ described with reference to FIG. 48. In otherembodiments, a greater number of third grooves G3′ than the number shownin FIG. 48 may be formed in addition, a structure of the plurality ofthird grooves G3′ described in FIG. 48 can be incorporated intoembodiments described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 48 and embodimentsderived therefrom.

According to an embodiment, since an organic material layer, such as atleast one of the organic encapsulation layer 320, the planarizationlayer 610, or the additional planarization layer 630, is disposed in thecutting area CA shown in FIGS. 44, 45, 47, and 48, unlike the case wherethe above organic material layer is not provided, stress can bealleviated and a floating phenomenon of the inorganic layers can beprevented or minimized.

According to an embodiment, the first and third partition walls 500 and500B shown in FIGS. 44, 45, 47, and 48 can be incorporated into theembodiments of a display panel described with reference to FIGS. 7 to43. In addition, the additional planarization layer 630 shown in FIGS.44, 45, 47, and 48 can be incorporated into embodiments described withreference to FIGS. 7 to 43 and embodiments derived therefrom.

FIGS. 49A and 49B are cross-sectional views of a display panel accordingto an embodiment, respectively, and FIG. 50 is an enlargedcross-sectional view of portion “A” of FIGS. 49A and 49B.

Referring to FIG. 49A, according to an embodiment, the display panel 10includes the opening 10H corresponding to the opening area OA. Theopening 10H of the display panel 10 corresponds to a hole or a throughhole that penetrates the display panel 10. The pixel circuit PC and thedisplay element layer 200 are disposed in the display area DA, the pixelcircuit PC being disposed over the substrate 100, and the displayelement layer 200 that includes the organic light-emitting diode OLEDare connected to the pixel circuit PC. As described with reference toFIG. 7, the organic light-emitting diode OLED includes the pixelelectrode 221, and the intermediate layer 222 and the opposite electrode223 that are sequentially stacked.

According to an embodiment, the substrate 100 has a multi-layeredstructure. For example, the substrate 100 includes a first base layer101, a first barrier layer 102, a second base layer 103, and a secondinorganic layer 104 that are sequentially stacked. A polymer resinincluded in the first base layer 101 and the second base layer 103, andan inorganic insulating material included in the first barrier layer 102and the second inorganic layer 104 are the same as those describedabove.

According to an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC is disposed over thesubstrate 100 and includes a thin film transistor and a storagecapacitor. The display element layer 200 includes display elementsprovided in a plurality of pixels. The display element layer 200includes the pixel electrode 221, the intermediate layer 222 on thepixel electrode 22, and the opposite electrode 223, each being providedin each of the plurality of pixels. Each display element emits one ofred, green, or blue light. The display element layer 200 is covered bythe thin-film encapsulation layer 300. Since specific characteristics ofthe elements disposed in the display area DA are the same as thosedescribed with reference to FIG. 7, a repeated description thereof isomitted.

Referring to the first non-display area NDA1 of FIG. 49A, according toan embodiment, the first non-display area NDA1 includes the firstsub-non-display area SNDA1 and the second sub-non-display area SNDA2,the first sub-non-display area SNDA1 being adjacent to the display areaDA, and the second sub-non-display area SNDA2 being adjacent to theopening area OA or the opening 10H. The first sub-non-display area SNDA1includes a region, such as a detour region, across which signal lines,such as the data lines DL or the scan lines SL described with referenceto FIG. 5 extend. A width of the first sub-non-display area SNDA1 may beless than, equal to, or greater than a width of the secondsub-non-display area SNDA2.

As shown in FIG. 49A, according to an embodiment, the data lines DL arealternately disposed with an insulating layer therebetween. Whenneighboring data lines DL are disposed over and under with an insulatinglayer, such as the second interlayer insulating layer 207, therebetween,a gap (a pitch) between the neighboring data lines DL can be reduced,and thus a width of the first non-display area NDA1 can be reduced. Inanother embodiment, the data lines DL are disposed on the sameinsulating layer, such as the second interlayer insulating layer 207.

According to an embodiment, the second sub-non-display area SNDA2 isgroove area in which grooves are formed. Although FIG. 49A shows fivegrooves formed in the second sub-non-display area SNDA2, embodiments arenot limited thereto, and the number of grooves may vary.

According to an embodiment, each of the grooves G is formed in multiplelayers that include a first layer and a second layer that respectivelyinclude different materials. For example, the first layer includes apolymer resin layer and the second layer includes an inorganicinsulating layer. In an embodiment, FIG. 12 shows that the groove G isformed in sub-layers disposed on the substrate 100, such as the secondbase layer 103 and the second inorganic layer 104 of the substrate 100.

According to an embodiment, a specific structure of the groove G is thesame as that described above with reference to FIG. 9 or 10. Forexample, as described with reference to FIG. 9 and as shown in FIG. 50,a depth h of the groove G is less than a thickness t of the second baselayer 103, and the groove G includes a hole H2 formed in the secondinorganic layer 104 and a recess R1 formed in the second base layer 103.In another embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 10, a depth hof the groove G is substantially the same as the thickness t of thesecond base layer 103, and the groove G includes the hole formed in thesecond inorganic layer 104 and a hole formed in the second base layer103.

As shown in FIG. 50, according to an embodiment, a lateral surface ofthe second inorganic layer 104 that bounds the second hole H2 protrudesfurther toward a center of the groove G than a lateral surface of thesecond base layer 103 that bounds the recess R1 or the hole. Lateralportions of the second inorganic layer 104 that protrude toward thecenter of the groove G constitute a pair of protruding tips PT. Inaddition to the second inorganic layer 104, the buffer layer 201 ispatterned to constitute a pair of protruding tips PT. The groove G hasan undercut cross-section in which a width W1 of the recess R1 or thehole of the second base layer 103 is greater than a width W2 of the holeH2 of the second inorganic layer 104. A length l of each tip of a pairof tips PT is less than 2.0 μm. In an embodiment, the length l rangesfrom about 1.0 μm to about 1.8 μm.

According to an embodiment, the groove G is formed before at least oneorganic material layer of the organic light-emitting diode OLED isformed, such as the intermediate layer 222. At least one organicmaterial layer included in the intermediate layer 222, such as the firstfunctional layer 222 a or the second functional layer 222 c shown inFIG. 50, are disconnected by the groove G in the first non-display areaNDA1. Likewise, the opposite electrode 223 is disconnected by the grooveG. A capping layer 230 that includes LiF is disposed on the oppositeelectrode 223. Like the first functional layer 222 a, the secondfunctional layer 222 c, and the opposite electrode 223, the cappinglayer 230 includes a common layer that is formed over an entire surfaceof the substrate 100 and is disconnected by the groove G. In anotherembodiment, the capping layer 230 is omitted.

According to an embodiment, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 cover the organic light-emitting diode OLED andextend into the first non-display area NDA1. The first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 can be formed by CVD, etc.and have improved step coverage as compared to the first functionallayer 222 a, the second functional layer 222 c, and the oppositeelectrode 223. For example, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 are successively formed to have a relatively uniformthickness or to minimize thickness deviations as compared to the firstfunctional layer 222 a, the second functional layer 222 c, and theopposite electrode 223. Therefore, each of the first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 can be continuously formedwithout being disconnected by the groove G. The first inorganicencapsulation layer 310 covers an inner surface of the groove G. Thefirst and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 havedifferent thicknesses. For example, the first inorganic encapsulationlayer 310 has a thickness of about 1 μm, and the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330 has a thickness of about 0.7 μm. That is, thethickness of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 is greater thanthe thickness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.Alternatively, the thickness of the first inorganic encapsulation layer310 and the thickness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330may be the same or the thickness of the first inorganic encapsulationlayer 310 may be less than the thickness of the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330.

According to an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 coversthe display area DA with the edge 320E located on one side of thepartition wall 500. The organic encapsulation layer 320 includes apolymer formed by coating a monomer and hardening the monomer. Themonomer flow can be controlled by the partition wall 500 and a thicknessof the organic encapsulation layer 320 can be controlled by thepartition wall 500. Alternatively, the organic encapsulation layer 320can be formed by coating a polymer. The edge 320E of the organicencapsulation layer 320 is spaced apart from the opening 10H. Since aregion in which the first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310and 330 directly contact each other is located between the opening 10Hand the organic encapsulation layer 320, moisture can be prevented frompenetrating through the opening 10H into the display area DA through theorganic encapsulation layer 320.

According to an embodiment, the organic material layer 320A is disposedin a portion of the first non-display area NDA1 that is adjacent to theopening 10H. The organic material layer 320A is spaced apart from theorganic encapsulation layer 320 by a predetermined distance. The organicmaterial layer 320A is formed during a process of forming the organicencapsulation layer 320 and includes the same material as that of theorganic encapsulation layer 320. When the organic encapsulation layer320 is formed by hardening a monomer, similar to controlling monomerflow by using the partition wall 500, a material that constitutes theorganic material layer 320A can be controlled by using a partition wall500C, hereinafter referred to as a fourth partition wall, and an edge320AE of the organic material layer 320A is located on one side of thefourth partition wall 500C. As described above, the first and secondinorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 make contact with each otherin the first non-display area NDA1. When a contact area of the first andsecond inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 is equal to or greaterthan a specific value, the first and second inorganic encapsulationlayers 310 and 330 or a neighboring layer, such as the planarizationlayer 610, can float due to stress on the first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330. In contrast, in an embodiment, whenthe organic material layer 320A is disposed, the contact area of thefirst and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 can beslightly reduced and thus the floating issue can be prevented orminimized. When the organic material layer 320A is spaced apart from theorganic encapsulation layer 320, the first and second inorganicencapsulation layers 310 and 330 make contact with each other betweenthe edge 320E of the organic encapsulation layer 320 and the edge 320AEof the organic material layer 320A.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is disposed inthe first non-display area NDA1. The planarization layer 610 is disposedin an area adjacent to the opening area OA. For example, theplanarization layer 610 is disposed only in the first non-display areaNDA1. The planarization layer 610 includes an organic insulating layer.The planarization layer 610 includes a polymer-based material. Forexample, the planarization layer 610 may include a silicon-based resin,an acrylic-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, polyimide, orpolyethylene, etc. The polymer-based material is transparent. In anembodiment, the planarization layer 610 includes a material that differsfrom that of the organic encapsulation layer 320. For example, one ofthe organic encapsulation layer 320 or the planarization layer 610includes a silicon-based resin, and the other includes an acrylic-basedresin. In another embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 andthe planarization layer 610 include the same material.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 covers at leastone groove G formed in the first non-display area NDA1. Theplanarization layer 610 increases flatness of the display panel 10around the opening area OA by covering a region of the first non-displayarea NDA1 that is not covered by the organic encapsulation layer 320.Therefore, separation of the input sensing layer 400 (see FIG. 2A)disposed on the display panel 10 can be prevented. A portion of theplanarization layer 610 overlaps a portion of the organic encapsulationlayer 320. A first edge 610E1 of the planarization layer 610 that isadjacent to the display area DA is located over the organicencapsulation layer 320, and a second edge 610E2 opposite to the firstedge 610E1 is located on the same vertical line as the edge 100E of thesubstrate 100 that bounds the opening 10H of the display panel 10 or thefirst opening 100H of the substrate 100.

According to an embodiment, an area from the first line SCL1 to the n-thline SCLn in FIG. 49A includes an area on which a cutting or scribingprocess of a process of manufacturing the display panel 10 is performed.For example, the area from the first line SCL1 to the n-th line SCLnincludes a cutting area CA across which a laser may pass. A cutting orscribing process can be performed along one of the first line SCL1 tothe n-th line SCLn, and a corresponding cross-sectional structurecorresponds to a structure of the display device 1 according toembodiments. With regard to this, FIG. 49A shows a cross-sectionalstructure of the display panel on which a cutting or scribing processhas been performed along the first line SCL1, and FIG. 49B shows across-sectional structure of the display panel on which a cutting orscribing process has been performed along the n-th line SCLn.

According to an embodiment, barrier layers 605 and 620′ are respectivelydisposed under and on the planarization layer 610. Hereinafter, forconvenience of description, a barrier layer under the planarizationlayer 610 is referred to as a first barrier layer 605, and a barrierlayer on the planarization layer 610 is referred to as a second barrierlayer 620′.

According to an embodiment, the planarization layer 610 is formed in thefirst non-display area NDA1 through exposure and development processes,etc. When external foreign substances, such as moisture, propagate in alateral direction parallel to an xy-plane of the display panel 10 duringsome processes, such as a washing process, that form the planarizationlayer 610, the organic light-emitting diode of the display area DA canbe damaged. In contrast, according to embodiments, since the firstbarrier layer 605 and the second barrier layer 620′, which are inorganicinsulating layers, are respectively disposed under and on theplanarization layer 610, moisture penetration or floating of aneighboring layer can be prevented during or after the process offorming the planarization layer 610. The first barrier layer 605 and thesecond barrier layer 620′ directly contact the planarization layer 610.

According to an embodiment, each of the first barrier layer 605 and thesecond barrier layer 620′ includes an inorganic insulating material,such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), or siliconoxynitride (SiON), and may have a single-layered or multi-layeredstructure. The first barrier layer 605 and the second barrier layer 620′may include the same material or different materials.

According to an embodiment, the first barrier layer 605 directlycontacts the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 disposed thereunder, suchas the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330. The first barrier layer605 may include the same material as that of the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330 or include a different material from that of thesecond inorganic encapsulation layer 330. Even if the first barrierlayer 605 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 include thesame material, such as silicon nitride, a specific composition ratio,such as a content ratio of silicon and nitrogen, may be different, andan interface between the first barrier layer 605 and the secondinorganic encapsulation layer 330 may be identified on a cross-sectionalimage with the naked eye. A thickness of the first barrier layer 605 isless than a thickness of the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.Alternatively, the thickness of the first barrier layer 605 may be thesame as or greater than the thickness of the second inorganicencapsulation layer 330.

According to an embodiment, a thickness of the second barrier layer 620′is greater than a thickness of the first barrier layer 605.Alternatively, the thickness of the second barrier layer 620′ may beless than or equal to the thickness of the first barrier layer 605.

According to an embodiment, an additional barrier layer, hereinafterreferred to as a third barrier layer 625, is disposed on the secondbarrier layer 620′, and the additional planarization layer 630 isdisposed on the third barrier layer 625. The third barrier layer 625includes an inorganic insulating material. The additional planarizationlayer 630 includes an organic insulating material.

According to an embodiment, the first barrier layer 605, the secondbarrier layer 620′, the third barrier layer 625, and the additionalplanarization layer 630 are formed over the entire surface of thesubstrate 100. For example, each of the first barrier layer 605, thesecond barrier layer 620′, the third barrier layer 625, and theadditional planarization layer 630 is integrally formed with theinsulating layer included in the input sensing layer 400.

For example, according to an embodiment, the input sensing layer 400includes the first insulating layer 401, the first conductive layer 410,the second insulating layer 403, the second conductive layer 420, andthe third insulating layer 405, and the first insulating layer 401includes a first sub-insulating layer 401 a and a second sub-insulatinglayer 401 b. The first barrier layer 605 is integrally formed with thefirst sub-insulating layer 401 a, the second barrier layer 620′ isintegrally formed with the second sub-insulating layer 401 b, the thirdbarrier layer 625 is integrally formed with the second insulating layer403, and the additional planarization layer 630 is integrally formedwith the third insulating layer 405. In other words, the insulatinglayers included in the input sensing layer 400 are respectively disposedon and under the planarization layer 610.

According to an embodiment, the scribing or cutting process is performedafter the input sensing layer 400 is formed. Therefore, the fourthopening 400H of the input sensing layer 400 is simultaneously formedwith the opening 10H of the display panel 10 and has substantially thesame shape and the same size as the opening 10H. Like the second edge610E2 of the planarization layer 610, each of an edge 605E of the firstbarrier layer 605, an edge 620′E of the second barrier layer 620′, anedge 625E of the third barrier layer 625, and an edge 630E of theadditional planarization layer 630 that are adjacent to the opening areaOA or the opening 10H of the display panel 10 are located on the samevertical line as the edge 100E of the substrate 100 that bounds thefirst opening 100H of the substrate 100.

FIG. 51 is a plan view of a display panel according to otherembodiments, and FIG. 52 is an enlarged plan view of the opening area OAof FIG. 51.

Referring to FIGS. 51 and 52, according to an embodiment, the openingarea OA of the display panel 10′ is partially surrounded by the displayarea DA. Pixels P are horizontally spaced apart around the opening areaOA. Scan lines SL that transmit scan signals to pixels P on the left ofthe opening area OA and pixels P on the right of the opening area OAdetour around the opening area OA in the first non-display area NDA1.

According to an embodiment, the opening area OA is surrounded by thefirst to third grooves G1, G2 and G3, and at least one outer groove isdisposed in the second non-display area NDA2. In this regard, FIG. 51shows that the first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2 are disposedin the second non-display area NDA2.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the grooves surrounding theopening area OA is connected with an outer groove. As shown in FIG. 52,one of the grooves that surround the opening area OA, such as the firstgroove G1, is connected with the first outer groove OG1 disposed in thesecond non-display area NDA2. However, in other embodiments, the groovesthat surround the opening area OA are spaced apart from each otherwithout being connected to an outer groove.

According to an embodiment, since the structure of the first non-displayarea NDA1 is the same as those of embodiments described with referenceto FIGS. 7 to 49 and embodiments derived therefrom, a repeateddescription thereof is omitted.

FIG. 53 is a plan view of a display panel according to other embodimentsand FIG. 54 is an enlarged plan view of the opening area OA of FIG. 53.

Referring to FIGS. 53 and 54, according to an embodiment, the openingarea OA of the display panel 10″ is partially surrounded by the displayarea DA. Pixels P are vertically spaced apart around the opening areaOA. Data lines DL that transmit data signals to pixels P above theopening area OA and pixels P below the opening area OA detour around theopening area OA in the first non-display area NDA1.

According to an embodiment, the opening area OA is surrounded by thefirst to third grooves G1, G2, and G3, and at least one outer groove islocated in the second non-display area NDA2. In this regard, FIG. 53shows that the first and second outer grooves OG1 and OG2 are disposedin the second non-display area NDA2.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the grooves that surroundsthe opening area OA is connected with an outer groove. As shown in FIG.54, one of the grooves that surrounds the opening area OA, such as thefirst groove G1, is connected with the first outer groove OG1 disposedin the second non-display area NDA2. However, in other embodiments, thegrooves that surround the opening area OA are spaced apart from eachother without being connected to the outer an groove.

According to an embodiment, since the structure of the first non-displayarea NDA1 is the same as those of embodiments described with referenceto FIGS. 7 to 49 and embodiments derived therefrom, a repeateddescription thereof is omitted.

A display device according to embodiments can prevent penetration ofmoisture, etc., permeating toward a display element by providing agroove in a non-display area, and can prevent or minimize the floatingof a layer or the occurrence of cracks around the groove by havinginsulating layers, such as a portion of an organic encapsulation layer,a planarization layer and/or a lower barrier layer, etc., disposed inthe groove. Therefore, damage to a display element due to moisture,etc., that seeps in through a crack can be prevented.

Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described withreference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, theseare merely provided as examples and it will be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details andequivalents thereof may be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure as defined by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display panel, comprising: a substrateincluding an opening area and a display area that surrounds the openingarea; a display element layer disposed in the display area and includinga plurality of display elements; a thin-film encapsulation layercovering the display element layer and including an organicencapsulation layer and an inorganic encapsulation layer; a first grooveand a second groove, each being between the opening area and the displayarea, each of the first and second grooves having an undercut structure;a planarization layer disposed between the opening area and the displayarea and including an organic insulating material; and an input sensinglayer disposed in the display area over the thin-film encapsulationlayer, wherein the planarization layer is disposed over the inorganicencapsulation layer, and the organic encapsulation layer is disposedbelow the inorganic encapsulation layer.
 2. The display panel of claim1, wherein the substrate includes a first base layer, a first inorganiclayer, a second base layer, and a second inorganic layer which aresequentially stacked, and a bottom surface of each of the first grooveand the second groove corresponds to a bottom surface of the second baselayer or to a virtual surface located between a top surface and thebottom surface of the second base layer.
 3. The display panel of claim1, wherein the thin-film encapsulation layer includes a first inorganicencapsulation layer, the organic encapsulation layer, and a secondinorganic encapsulation layer which are sequentially stacked.
 4. Thedisplay panel of claim 3, wherein the first inorganic encapsulationlayer covers an inner surface of each of the first groove and the secondgroove.
 5. The display panel of claim 3, wherein the second inorganicencapsulation layer directly contacts the first inorganic encapsulationlayer in a region between the opening area and the display area.
 6. Thedisplay panel of claim 1, wherein a portion of the planarization layeroverlaps the organic encapsulation layer.
 7. The display panel of claim1, wherein the substrate includes a first opening that corresponds tothe opening area, and the organic encapsulation layer includes a holeoverlapping the first opening.
 8. The display panel of claim 7, whereinan end of the planarization layer adjacent to the first opening islocated on a same vertical line as an end of the substrate or is spacedapart from the end of the substrate by a predetermined interval.
 9. Thedisplay panel of claim 1, further comprising a barrier layer disposed onthe planarization layer and including an inorganic material.
 10. Thedisplay panel of claim 9, wherein the input sensing layer includes aplurality of layers, and the barrier layer includes a same material asthat of at least one of the plurality of layers included in the inputsensing layer.
 11. The display panel of claim 9, further comprising anadditional planarization layer disposed on the barrier layer.
 12. Thedisplay panel of claim 1, wherein the input sensing layer includes anorganic material, and the planarization layer includes a material thatis the same as the organic material of the input sensing layer.
 13. Thedisplay panel of claim 1, further comprising a lower barrier layerdisposed between the planarization layer and the thin-film encapsulationlayer.
 14. The display panel of claim 13, wherein the input sensinglayer includes an inorganic material, and the lower barrier layerincludes a material that is the same as the inorganic material of theinput sensing layer.
 15. The display panel of claim 13, wherein thelower barrier layer is in direct contact with the inorganicencapsulation layer.
 16. A display panel comprising: a substrateincluding an opening; a display element layer disposed in a display areaof the substrate, the display area at least partially surrounding theopening; a thin-film encapsulation layer disposed on the display elementlayer and including an organic encapsulation layer and an inorganicencapsulation layer; a first groove and a second groove being in agroove area of the substrate, wherein the groove area is between theopening and the display area; and a planarization layer disposed on thegroove area and over the organic encapsulation layer with the inorganicencapsulation layer therebetween.
 17. The display panel of claim 16,wherein the planarization layer includes an organic material.
 18. Thedisplay panel of claim 16, wherein each of the first groove and thesecond groove penetrate into the substrate and have an undercutstructure.
 19. The display panel of claim 18, wherein the substrateincludes a first base layer, a first inorganic layer, a second baselayer, and a second inorganic layer which are sequentially stacked. 20.The display panel of claim 19, wherein the second inorganic layerincludes first holes that respectively correspond to each of the firstgroove and the second groove, and the second base layer includes secondholes or recesses that correspond to the first holes.
 21. The displaypanel of claim 20, wherein a lateral surface of each first hole in thesecond inorganic layer protrudes further toward a center of the firstholes than a lateral surface of the second holes or recesses in thesecond base layer.
 22. The display panel of claim 16, wherein the firstgroove surrounds the opening, and the second groove surrounds theopening and is between the opening and the first groove.
 23. The displaypanel of claim 22, wherein the thin-film encapsulation layer includes afirst inorganic encapsulation layer, the organic encapsulation layer,and a second inorganic encapsulation layer which are sequentiallystacked, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer covers an innersurface of each of the first groove and the second groove.
 24. Thedisplay panel of claim 23, wherein a portion of the planarization layeroverlaps the organic encapsulation layer.
 25. The display panel of claim23, wherein portion of the second inorganic encapsulation layer is indirect contact with the first inorganic encapsulation layer.
 26. Thedisplay panel of claim 25, wherein the planarization layer or theorganic encapsulation layer at least partially fills the second groove.27. The display panel of claim 16, further comprising a barrier layerdisposed on the planarization layer.
 28. The display panel of claim 27,wherein the barrier layer is in direct contact with the inorganicencapsulation layer around the opening.
 29. The display panel of claim27, wherein the barrier layer includes at least one of a metal layer oran inorganic insulating layer.
 30. The display panel of claim 27,further comprising an additional planarization layer disposed on thebarrier layer.
 31. The display panel of claim 16, further comprising aninput sensing layer disposed in the display area and that includes firstsensing electrodes and second sensing electrodes.
 32. The display panelof claim 31, wherein the input sensing layer includes an organicinsulating layer that covers the first sensing electrodes and the secondsensing electrodes, and the planarization layer includes a same materialas that of the organic insulating layer.
 33. The display panel of claim16, further comprising a lower barrier layer interposed between theplanarization layer and the thin-film encapsulation layer.
 34. Thedisplay panel of claim 33, wherein the lower barrier layer is in directcontact with the inorganic encapsulation layer.
 35. The display panel ofclaim 33, wherein the lower barrier layer includes at least one of ametal layer or an inorganic insulating layer.
 36. The display panel ofclaim 33, wherein the lower barrier layer covers at least the secondgroove.
 37. The display panel of claim 36, further comprising a thirdgroove disposed between the opening and the second groove, wherein thelower barrier layer covers the second and third grooves.
 38. The displaypanel of claim 33, further comprising an input sensing layer disposed onthe display element layer and that includes an inorganic material. 39.The display panel of claim 38, wherein the lower barrier layer includesa material that is the same as the inorganic material of the inputsensing layer.
 40. A display panel comprising: a substrate including anopening; a display element layer disposed in a display area of thesubstrate; a thin-film encapsulation layer disposed on the displayelement layer and including a first inorganic encapsulation layer, anorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer;an input sensing layer disposed on the display element layer; aplurality of grooves in a groove area of the substrate, the groove areais between the opening and the display area; and a barrier layercovering at least one of the plurality of grooves and including aninorganic material.
 41. The display panel of claim 40, furthercomprising a planarization layer disposed in the groove area, whereinthe planarization layer is disposed on the second inorganicencapsulation layer, and the organic encapsulation layer is disposedunder the second inorganic encapsulation layer.
 42. The display panel ofclaim 41, wherein the input sensing layer includes a plurality oflayers, and at least one of the barrier layer or the planarization layerincludes a same material as that of at least one of the plurality oflayers of the input sensing layer.
 43. The display panel of claim 40,wherein each of the plurality of grooves has an undercut structure. 44.The display panel of claim 40, wherein the substrate includes a firstbase layer, a first inorganic layer, a second base layer, and a secondinorganic layer which are sequentially stacked.
 45. The display panel ofclaim 44, wherein the second inorganic layer includes a plurality offirst holes that respectively correspond to each of the plurality ofgrooves, the second base layer includes a plurality of second holes orrecesses that respectively correspond to each of the plurality of firstholes, and a lateral surface of the second inorganic layer in each ofthe first holes protrudes further toward a center of the first holesthan a lateral surface of the second base layer in each of the secondholes or recesses.
 46. The display panel of claim 40, wherein theplurality of grooves include a first groove adjacent to the displayarea, and a second groove closer to the opening than the first groove,and wherein the organic encapsulation layer covers the first groove andat least partially fills the first groove.
 47. The display panel ofclaim 46, further comprising an organic material inside the secondgroove, wherein the organic material includes a same material as that ofthe organic encapsulation layer.
 48. The display panel of claim 47,wherein the second groove is covered by the barrier layer.